Stuck on NYT Strands? Your Dec 25th Lifeline is Here!

Alright, fellow word enthusiasts, Happy Holidays! Or, if you’re like me, maybe you’re currently nursing a slight post-feast food coma, or perhaps just craving a quiet moment with a good puzzle. And what better puzzle than the New York Times Strands? Today, December 25th, brings us puzzle #662, and let's be honest, sometimes these things can be trickier than they look!

For those new to the game (welcome!), Strands is basically a themed word search with a twist. You're hunting for words related to a hidden category, but they can snake and turn in any direction. The ultimate goal? Find all the theme words, and then locate the 'Spangram'—a word that uses up the remaining letters and often gives away the main category itself. It’s a brilliant, brain-tebending concept, but boy, can it throw you for a loop sometimes.

Today's puzzle, on December 25th, might just have you scratching your head a little. Perhaps the holiday cheer has fogged the brain, or maybe the theme is just particularly clever. Whatever the reason, if you're feeling a bit stumped and just need a friendly nudge in the right direction, you've landed in the right spot. We’re going to walk through some hints, reveal the elusive Spangram, and then, for those who just want to see it through, the full solution. No shame in needing a little help!

The Theme and Spangram Hint: Your First Clue

So, what's the big picture today? Without giving too much away right off the bat, let's just say that the theme for December 25th's puzzle (#662) is perfectly fitting for the season. Think about what people might be doing or enjoying on a special day like today. It's about togetherness and indulgence, really. Got a glimmer yet?

The Spangram is always the biggest hint, connecting all the other words. Today's Spangram is a nine-letter word that perfectly encapsulates the mood and activity surrounding the day. It’s about the spirit of the day itself, the reason for all the deliciousness and gathering. If you find this word, the others will likely fall into place quite quickly. Don't worry if it's not immediately obvious; it can be sneaky sometimes!

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Today's Spangram for Dec 25, #662:

It’s the overarching feeling of the day, something you partake in with friends and family.

Ready for it? The Spangram is: CELEBRATION

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Still Struggling? General Hints for Puzzle #662

Okay, with 'CELEBRATION' in mind, the other words should now make a lot more sense. Think about what goes into a holiday celebration, specifically the kind that involves a big, happy meal. What are some classic elements? What do you eat?

The words you're looking for are all items or aspects of a traditional, hearty holiday meal. We're talking main courses, classic side dishes, and perhaps even a condiment or dessert that just screams 'special occasion'. If you're scanning the board, look for words that would appear on a festive dinner table.

Consider the star proteins often served, the rich accompaniments, and the sweet finish. There are quite a few delectable words hidden in there!

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Ready for the Full Answers? (Spoiler Alert!)

Alright, deep breath. If you've given it your best shot, used the Spangram, and still can't quite unearth all those delicious words, fear not! We're about to lay out every single solution for today's NYT Strands puzzle. This is your last chance to look away if you want to keep puzzling!

Seriously, this is the point of no return. You've been warned!

Here are all the themed words for NYT Strands #662 on December 25th, under the umbrella of 'CELEBRATION' (think 'Holiday Feast'):

• TURKEY
• HAM
• ROAST
• STUFFING
• GRAVY
• POTATOES
• CRANBERRY
• PIE

There you have it! All the tasty words for today's puzzle. Hopefully, you had at least a few of them before peeking. It’s always satisfying to get that 'aha!' moment. Whether you needed a gentle hint or the full reveal, we hope this helped you conquer today's Strands challenge. Now, go enjoy the rest of your day, and we'll see you back here tomorrow for the next puzzle!