**The Mini: A Brief Puzzle Solution from The New York Times**
[The Mini](https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini) is a streamlined edition of *The New York Times*’ beloved daily crossword. While the complete crossword presents a more prolonged challenge that assesses both knowledge and endurance, The Mini provides a quick, snack-sized experience with a distinctly different feel.
Featuring only a handful of clues, The Mini frequently turns into a race against the clock for its players. Nonetheless, a challenging clue can sometimes throw off your flow, leading to frustration! If you ever find yourself unable to proceed with The Mini — similar to [Wordle](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-20-2024) or [Connections](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-20-2024) — don’t fret; we’re here to help.
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### Clues and Solutions for NYT’s The Mini (Sunday, December 22, 2024)
#### **Across**
1. **Longstanding first name in the House of Representatives**
**Answer:** *Nancy*
2. **Term that fittingly completes these gaps: S_ *rano’s p* *form*nce**
**Answer:** *Opera*
3. **Unfortunate situation to rise without a paddle**
**Answer:** *Creek*
4. **Helper**
**Answer:** *Aide*
5. **Layer of toilet paper**
**Answer:** *Ply*
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### **Down**
1. **”Seriously!,” in contemporary slang**
**Answer:** *No cap*
2. **When Tax Deadline occurs**
**Answer:** *April*
3. **Demanding significant attention**
**Answer:** *Needy*
4. **Native tribes of Canada**
**Answer:** *Cree*
5. **Animal also called a “grunting ox”**
**Answer:** *Yak*
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### Seeking More Games?
If you’re looking for additional puzzles, Mashable has you sorted! Visit our [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and much more.
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### Featured Video: Wordle Gameplay Tips
Eager to enhance your Wordle skills? View this video that features *The New York Times*’ Head of Games sharing valuable strategies.
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### More Puzzle Assistance
– Playing NYT Strands? [Discover hints and answers for today’s Strands here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-20).
– Missed yesterday’s Mini? [Here’s the resolution for December 21, 2024](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-december-21-2024).
Enjoy your puzzling!