If you’ve arrived here, you are likely seeking some assistance with playing [**Strands**](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), **The New York Times’** elegant word-search adventure.
### What is Strands?
Strands puts a refreshing spin on the classic word search. Rather than merely spotting words in straight lines, participants can connect letters in any orientation — upward, downward, sideways, or diagonally. Words have the ability to shift direction in the middle, creating distinct shapes and configurations. The twist? Every letter within the grid contributes to a solution. Each puzzle is themed around a specific concept, linking all the responses together. There’s also a “spangram” — an exclusive word or phrase that encapsulates the day’s theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### A Brain-Teasing Challenge
In contrast to other NYT games such as [**Wordle**](https://mashable.com/category/wordle) or [**Connections**](https://mashable.com/category/connections), Strands does not offer a word list, rendering it a more intricate and demanding puzzle. Instead, participants receive an enigmatic clue to steer them, introducing an additional level of challenge. If you’re pressed for time or feeling uncertain, we have all the hints you need to address today’s puzzle at your leisure.
—
### **Today’s NYT Strands Theme: Festival of Lights Delights**
– **Hint:** The words are festive foods.
– **Explanation:** All the responses are items you might enjoy during the Festival of Lights.
—
### **Spangram Details**
– **Hint:** Today’s spangram is horizontal.
– **Answer:** Today’s spangram is **HannukahFoods**.
—
### **NYT Strands Word List for December 29**
Here are the solutions for today’s puzzle:
– **Kugel**
– **Applesauce**
– **Latkes**
– **Brisket**
– **Challah**
– **HannukahFoods**
—
### Looking for More Games?
If you enjoy daily challenges, visit [**Mashable’s Games page**](https://mashable.com/category/games) for additional hints and answers. You can also delve into other enjoyable games like [**Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords**](https://games.mashable.com/).
Missed a day? [**Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands puzzle**](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-28-2024).
For more strategies and insights, watch our highlighted video: **”Strands 101: How to Win NYT’s Latest Word Game.”**
Enjoy puzzling!