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The New York Times Mini Crossword is one of the fun, compact puzzles that challenge solvers daily. Whether it's a weekend or a regular Tuesday, these puzzles always offer a satisfying mental workout. No exception is the December 24, 2024 edition, which mixes festive themes with clever wordplay to keep solvers engaged. For those stuck on the clues, this guide offers quick answers and helpful hints to finish the puzzle in no time.
The Mini version of the NYT crossword is not exactly like the bigger one: it is for those who prefer a quick challenge. A 5x5 grid and fewer clues make this perfect for short mental breaks throughout the day. Though the puzzle is smaller, the challenge is just as rewarding. Today's puzzle is tied to some hints directly to Christmas, which is fitting in the holiday season.
If you need help solving today's puzzle, here's a solution for the December 24 Mini Crossword.
(1A) Christmas ___
Answer: EVE
Christmas Eve is Christmas night before. It's that last-minute holiday prep and celebration night.
(4A) Hanker for, as Christmas cookies
Answer: CRAVE
It's that sweet treat you can't resist--Christmas cookies!
(6A) Instrument heard in many a Christmas hymn
Answer: ORGAN
Often heard in Christmas music, the organ adds a majestic sound to holiday hymns.
(7A) Rounded heap
Answer: MOUND
Think of a small, rounded pile of snow or dirt. This word fits perfectly for something that takes a rounded shape.
(8A) Vintner's device
Answer: PRESS
A press is a key tool for winemakers, used to extract juice from grapes.
Down Clues and Answers
(1D) Proofreader's catch
Answer: ERROR
Editors are quick to notice errors—an error is something to catch.
(2D) Like a Christmas wish list that just says "toys"
Answer: VAGUE
A wish list that only says "toys" is vague—lacking specific details.
(3D) Chris of "Knives Out"
Answer: EVANS
Chris Evans, the star of the movie Knives Out, is known for his role as Ransom Drysdale.
(4D) Provide free of charge
Answer: COMP
This short form for "complimentary" refers to giving something for free.
(5D) Comes to a close
Answer: ENDS
Something that comes to an end has finished or closed.
With these answers in hand, finishing the Mini Crossword becomes much easier. The New York Times Mini Crossword is part of a collection of games offered by the Times. It’s available daily for free online, though older puzzles require a subscription to access.
The puzzle is a quick mental exercise that anyone can enjoy, whether on a short break or while waiting for an appointment. It's a great way to engage the mind without dedicating too much time. If today's puzzle felt tricky, don't worry! Keep practising, and the clues will feel easier as time goes on.
The puzzles change in difficulty from week to week. Monday puzzles are the easiest, and Saturday puzzles can be the most difficult. The Mini Crossword is a good place to start for new solvers, but it's still challenging enough for experienced solvers.
However great that seems to be, the NYT Mini Crossword is fun even at a quick mental break and as part of your routine each day. This Christmas crossword puzzle brings the Christmas spirit with its festive-themed clues, and the answers, though not too tricky even for beginners, are straightforward enough.
For other puzzle challenges, the New York Times offers many alternatives - even word puzzles and logic games.
To maintain sharpness, try other crosswords, such as Eugene Sheffer or Thomas Joseph's puzzles. For more difficult puzzles, the WSJ Crossword and LA Times Crossword also come highly recommended. Both offer a challenge unique in their ways, which makes them suitable for crossword enthusiasts.
