NYT Strands is the New York Times’ daily word-search-style puzzle that challenges players to uncover theme-based words hidden across a letter grid. For December 24, 2025, the theme was “Gather around,” featuring a collection of warm, comforting words. As always, a clever spangram tied everything together, weaving through the grid and capturing the spirit of the theme perfectly.

24 December 2025 NYT Strands Theme: “Gather around”

Today’s theme leaned heavily into comfort and togetherness, evoking the feeling of relaxing indoors with familiar faces. The word choices were approachable and warm, making the puzzle feel inviting rather than tricky, with a spangram that neatly summed up the mood.

24 December 2025 NYT Strands: Hints

  • Think of words that describe comfort and emotional warmth.
  • Look for adjectives you’d associate with a welcoming space.
  • Several answers describe feelings rather than physical objects.
  • Short, simple words appear early, helping you map the grid.
  • Spangram ties the idea of comfort and closeness into one playful phrase.

24 December 2025 NYT Strands: Answers

  • Soft
  • Warm
  • Homey
  • Comfy
  • Cozy
  • Pleasant
  • Relaxing

Spangram

Snug as a Bug
This spangram captures the heart of the puzzle, expressing comfort, safety, and warmth. It connects all the theme words and reflects the cozy, gathered-together feeling perfectly.

How Strands works

Strands is a daily word search puzzle with a twist:
• You’re given a theme.
• The grid is packed with hidden words tied to that theme.
• Words can run in any direction, including diagonals.
• Once you find all the theme words, you’re done!

Each puzzle usually has around 6–8 theme words.

Tips to become a NYT Strands pro

  1. Start with obvious words. Look for clear connections to the theme first.
  2. Scan diagonals early. Strands loves to hide words at an angle.
  3. Build around found words. Once one word is cleared, the leftover letters often point to the next.
  4. Use hints wisely. Earn them steadily by spotting extra words, then save them for when you’re truly stuck.
  5. Think about synonyms. The theme clue isn’t always literal — broaden your thinking.

Final Thoughts

The December 24, 2025 Strands puzzle felt friendly and relaxing, with an easy-to-grasp theme and satisfying word choices. It was a great, low-stress solve that matched the cozy mood perfectly. How many did you find on your own?