Today's Strands puzzle, themed "A Visit From Santa," presents a Christmas-themed word puzzle. The challenge involves identifying nine words, including a pangram, hidden within a grid of jumbled letters. Even experienced Strands players may find this puzzle challenging. This guide provides hints, partial solutions, and the complete answer.

The NYT Games Strands Puzzle #297 December 25, 2024

The puzzle's clue is A Visit From Santa. Nine items are to be found: the pangram and eight themed words.

New York Times Games Strands Clues

The following sections offer increasing levels of assistance, revealing one spoiled word per section.

General Hint 1

Hint 1: Consider the typical contents of a Santa's gift bag.

read more### General Hint 2

Hint 2: Think small, giftable items.

read more### General Hint 3

Hint 3: Small items suitable for filling Christmas stockings.

read moreSpoilers for Two Words

These sections provide spoilers, including the word and its location within the grid.

Spoiler 1

Word 1: Candy

read more### Spoiler 2

Word 2: Toys

read moreComplete Solution

The complete solution, including all themed words and their placement, is revealed below.

The theme is Stocking. The words are Toys, Plushie, Orange, Socks, Scarf, Coal, Candy, and Pens.

read morePuzzle Explanation

The "A Visit from Santa" clue points to the theme of Christmas gifts, specifically those small enough to fit inside a stocking. All the themed words represent common stocking stuffers.

read morePlay Strands on the New York Times Games website, accessible on most devices with a web browser.