The NYT Mini Crossword for December 22, 2025, offers a quick and festive puzzle with simple clues and familiar holiday-themed answers.
Short clues and a small grid make the Mini fast to solve while still testing sharp thinking and daily focus.
As part of NYT Games, the Mini remains a daily favorite alongside Wordle and Connections, with a new puzzle arriving every day.
NYT Mini Crossword returns every day with a new puzzle and a new challenge. December 22, 2025, continues this daily tradition with a short, smart, and fun grid. This puzzle keeps things light while still testing quick thinking. The Mini version stays small in size but strong in appeal.
The Mini feels different from the full crossword. Fewer boxes mean faster play. Short clues bring quick answers. Many players solve it in minutes, yet one tricky word can slow the pace. That mix keeps the puzzle exciting every single day.
December 22 brings a festive touch. Several clues connect to Christmas and the holiday season. Familiar names and simple words make the puzzle friendly and smooth. Each answer fits cleanly and moves the grid forward without stress.
NYT Mini also stands as part of the larger NYT Games family. Along with Wordle, Connections, and Strands, this puzzle adds daily fun for word lovers. The Mini keeps the focus on speed, clarity, and enjoyment.
1A: Greeting from Kermit the Frog
Answer: HIHO
Explanation: Kermit often starts his cheerful greetings with “Hi-ho.”
5A: Apt name for a baby born around Christmas
Answer: CAROL
Explanation: Carol connects to Christmas songs and holiday joy.
6A: Body part that might be sprained or rolled
Answer: ANKLE
Explanation: An ankle easily twists during walking, running, or sports.
7A: Apt name for a baby born around Christmas
Answer: NOEL
Explanation: Noel means Christmas and fits the festive season.
8A: Unlikely to leave a mess
Answer: TIDY
Explanation: Tidy describes something clean and well-kept.
1D: Vietnam’s capital city
Answer: HANOI
Explanation: Hanoi serves as the capital city of Vietnam.
2D: Irritated
Answer: IRKED
Explanation: Irked means feeling annoyed or bothered.
3D: Apt name for a baby born around Christmas
Answer: HOLLY
Explanation: Holly links to Christmas plants and decorations.
4D: Cry at a bullfight
Answer: OLE
Explanation: Ole shows excitement during a bullfight.
5D: “I ___ even!” (modern complaint)
Answer: CANT
Explanation: Cant completes a phrase used to show frustration.
Also Read – NYT Connections December 21, 2025: Today’s Answers, Hints, and Full Puzzle Breakdown
December 22’s NYT Mini Puzzle feels smooth and balanced. The clues stay clear. The answers stay familiar. Holiday names repeat without confusion. Each word feels natural inside the grid.
The puzzle also helps build rhythm. Early answers open paths for later ones. This flow makes solving feel quick and satisfying. The Mini proves that short puzzles can still feel complete.
NYT Mini Crossword continues to grow as a daily habit. Many players enjoy starting or ending the day with this small challenge. The format respects time and rewards focus.
NYT Mini Crossword for December 22, 2025, delivers a clean, festive, and easy puzzle. Clear clues and simple answers keep the experience smooth. Each day brings a new set of words and a new chance to enjoy the challenge.
Tomorrow awaits with another fresh grid and another round of clever clues. NYT Games continue to offer daily fun through Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections, and more. A new puzzle always waits just one day away.
Also Read – NYT Strands December 21, 2025 Puzzle: Spangram, Theme Words Explained