Solve the NYT Games Strands Puzzle #295 (December 23, 2024): "Pass the Eggnog"

A new Strands puzzle awaits daily on the New York Times Games website. This word-search puzzle presents a unique challenge: the words are hidden, and you must deduce the theme from a single clue. Even experienced players might find this puzzle tricky. This guide offers hints, spoilers, and the complete solution.

The puzzle for December 23rd, 2024, features five words: a pangram and four thematically linked words. The clue is "Pass the Eggnog."

Hints (without spoilers):

Hint 1: Think festive food items.

Hint 2: Consider common holiday latte flavorings.

Hint 3: Focus on ingredients that enhance the seasonal taste of holiday treats.

Spoilers (Partial Solutions):

Word 1: Peppermint

Word 2: Cranberry

Complete Solution:

The theme is Holiday Flavors. The words are Cranberry, Gingerbread, Peppermint, and Cocoa.

Solution Explanation:

"Pass the Eggnog" perfectly encapsulates the theme. Eggnog is a quintessential holiday beverage, and all the themed words represent popular holiday flavors often found in cookies, candies, drinks, and other festive treats.

Ready to test your skills? Find the New York Times Games Strands puzzle on their website—accessible on most devices with a web browser.