Solve today's New York Times Games Strands puzzle, #295 (December 23, 2024), with this guide! This word-search puzzle challenges you to uncover five words – a pangram and four thematically linked words – based on a single clue: "Pass the Eggnog." Even experienced players might find this one tricky.

Helpful Hints (No Spoilers!):

These hints offer guidance without revealing specific words.

Hint 1: Think festive food items.

Hint 2: Consider common holiday latte flavorings.

Hint 3: What flavors enhance the taste of seasonal treats?

Partial Spoilers (One Word Each):

These reveal one word and its location in the grid.

Word 1: Peppermint

Word 2: Cranberry

Complete Solution:

Ready for the full answer? Here's the solution and a completed puzzle image.

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

Solution Explanation:

The clue, "Pass the Eggnog," perfectly encapsulates the theme. Eggnog is a quintessential holiday beverage, and all the themed words represent common holiday flavors often found in cookies, candies, drinks, etc.

Ready to test your skills? Play Strands on the New York Times Games website! It's accessible on most devices with a web browser.