The Mini is a smaller iteration of The New York Times‘ revered daily crossword. While the complete crossword presents a longer challenge that demands both expertise and perseverance, The Mini delivers an alternative experience.
With only a handful of clues to tackle, the daily puzzle frequently acts as a speed challenge for numerous players.
When a tough clue disrupts a player’s flow, it can be exasperating! If you find yourself at a standstill on The Mini — akin to Wordle and Connections — we are here to assist.
Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Try games on Mashable
How to play Pips, the latest NYT game
Here are the clues and solutions for NYT’s The Mini on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025:
Across
Salutation from Kermit the Frog
The answer is HiHo.
Suitable name for a child born around Christmas
The answer is Carol.
Body part that may be sprained or twisted
The answer is Ankle.
Suitable name for a child born around Christmas
The answer is Noel.
Unlikely to create a mess
The answer is Tidy.
Down
Capital city of Vietnam
The answer is Hanoi.
Annoyed
The answer is Irked.
Suitable name for a child born around Christmas
The answer is Holly.
Shout at a bullfight
The answer is Ole.
“I ___ even!” (modern frustration)
The answer is Whap.
If you’re in search of additional puzzles, Mashable has games available now! Visit our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and beyond.
Are you