Solve the Christmas Eve Strands Puzzle! Need help with today's challenging puzzle? This guide offers spoiler-free hints, individual word solutions (if needed), a theme explanation, and the complete answer.
The NYT Games Strands Puzzle #296 (December 24, 2024)
Today's Strands puzzle clue is Who on Earth...? Seven words are to be found: six themed words and a pangram.
New York Times Games Strands Clues
Need a nudge without spoilers? These hints point you towards the theme:
General Hint 1
Hint 1: Think about the inhabitants of Earth.
read more### General Hint 2
Hint 2: Consider common given names.
read more### General Hint 3
Hint 3: Focus on names that also describe natural elements.
read moreSpoilers for Two Words
These sections contain individual word spoilers and placement images. Only open if you need help with specific words.
Spoiler 1
Word 1: Brook
read more### Spoiler 2
Word 2: Willow
read moreThe Complete Answer
The full solution, including all themed words, the pangram, and their grid positions, is revealed below.
The theme is Nature Names. The words are Holly, Willow, Brook, Laurel, River, and Clementine.
read moreTheme Explanation
Still stuck? This section breaks down the clue, theme, and word connections.
The themed words are all names that also represent things found in nature (e.g., River). The clue, "Who on Earth...?" refers to these earthly names.
read moreReady to play? Find the New York Times Games Strands puzzle online – it's playable on most devices.