**The Mini Crossword: A Swift Puzzle Solution from The New York Times**
[The Mini](https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini) is a small, quick rendition of *The New York Times*’ renowned daily crossword. While the complete crossword requires ample time and extensive knowledge, The Mini provides a speedy, more laid-back experience with a distinct atmosphere.
With only a handful of clues to crack, The Mini has turned into a go-to for participants who relish in honing their speed-solving abilities. Nevertheless, stumbling upon a challenging clue can break the rhythm and result in annoyance. If you hit a roadblock—similar to what you might experience with [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.
—
### Clues and Answers for NYT’s The Mini – Saturday, December 21, 2024
#### **Across**
– **Zap with a beam of light**
Answer: **Lase**
– **___ solstice, the shortest day of the year**
Answer: **Winter**
– **100 years**
Answer: **Century**
– **100 years, for Jimmy Carter**
Answer: **Age**
– **Roll with it!**
Answer: **Die**
– **Sports newbies**
Answer: **Rookies**
– **Like each day relative to the day before it, for the next six months**
Answer: **Longer**
– **Eugene V. ___, five-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America**
Answer: **Debs**
—
### **Down**
– **First blank on a form, maybe**
Answer: **Line one**
– **Unwanted crawler on a kitchen counter**
Answer: **Ant**
– **Prepares for a test**
Answer: **Studies**
– **More spooky**
Answer: **Eerier**
– **”Everything cool between us?”**
Answer: **We good**
– **Some loaves of bread … or a homophone for what they do in the oven**
Answer: **Ryes**
– **Astronomer Sagan whose papers are archived in the Library of Congress**
Answer: **Carl**
– **Spy org. in “Bridge of Spies”**
Answer: **KGB**
—
Hunting for additional puzzles? Visit [Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and much more!
—
### Featured Video: The Wordle Tactic Utilized by The New York Times’ Head of Games
If you’re a Wordle enthusiast, don’t miss this revealing video on strategy from the NYT’s Head of Games.
—
### Bonus Tips for Puzzle Lovers
Are you also engaging with NYT Strands? [Discover today’s hints and answers here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-20).
Missed a day? [Access the latest Mini Crossword solutions here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-december-21-2024).
Enjoy puzzling!