For many puzzle fans, the daily ritual of solving The New York Times Mini Crossword offers a quick, satisfying brain teaser—a bite-sized challenge that’s as much about speed as it is about smarts. On December 22, 2025, the latest edition of The Mini was published, and, as usual, it drew a crowd of word game enthusiasts eager to test their wits and reflexes. But this particular puzzle, with its holiday-themed clues and a few tricky twists, left more than a few players scratching their heads and reaching for hints.
According to Mashable, The Mini is designed to be a brisk alternative to the venerable full-sized New York Times Crossword. While the full crossword demands a broad base of knowledge and a hefty time commitment, The Mini is a sprint—just a handful of clues, but each one a potential roadblock for those aiming to beat their best time. As Mashable puts it, “when a tricky clue disrupts a player’s flow, it can be frustrating!”
So what exactly did The Mini serve up on this Monday before Christmas? The across clues were a mix of pop culture, holiday spirit, and classic wordplay. The first clue, “Greeting from Kermit the Frog,” had many recalling the Muppet’s signature entrance: the answer, of course, was “HIHO.” Two clues asked for “apt name for a baby born around Christmas,” leading to the seasonal answers “CAROL” and “NOEL.” For the clue “Body part that might be sprained or rolled,” the answer was “ANKLE,” a nod to anyone who’s ever suffered a misstep. Rounding out the across clues was “Unlikely to leave a mess,” with the tidy answer being, well, “TIDY.”
Turning to the down clues, solvers were asked for “Vietnam’s capital city,” which is “HANOI.” The clue “Irritated” led to “IRKED,” and another holiday-themed prompt, “Apt name for a baby born around Christmas,” produced “HOLLY.” The clue “Cry at a bullfight” was “OLE,” a familiar exclamation to anyone who’s watched Spanish bullfighting or just enjoys a bit of international flavor in their crosswords. Finally, the modern complaint, “I ___ even!” appeared as the last down clue. Here, the answer varied slightly between sources: Mashable listed “WHAP,” while both Parade and CNET gave “CANT.” Ultimately, “CANT” was the correct answer for the day, as confirmed by CNET and Parade.
The slight discrepancy in the answer to the “I ___ even!” clue highlights a common issue in the world of daily puzzles—sometimes, even reputable sources can get tripped up by a typo or a misreading. According to Parade, the answer was “CANT,” matching CNET’s solution, and this appears to be the consensus among those who solved the puzzle on the day. For die-hard fans, such inconsistencies can be a source of debate—and a reminder to always double-check your answers before submitting.
Reflecting on the puzzle’s holiday motif, CNET’s reviewer noted, “I was born in December, so today’s Mini Crossword may have been extra entertaining for me.” Indeed, the inclusion of names like “CAROL,” “NOEL,” and “HOLLY” gave the puzzle a festive flair, making it feel both timely and playful. It’s a subtle nod to the way The Mini often reflects the season or current events, weaving in cultural references that keep the experience fresh and engaging.
For those new to The Mini, or just looking to improve their solving skills, several outlets offered hints alongside the answers. Parade, for example, provided gentle nudges for each clue, such as “Starts with the letter ‘H’” for Kermit’s greeting, or “Ends with the letter ‘L’” for the Christmas baby’s name. These hints serve as a lifeline for those who want to challenge themselves without resorting to outright spoilers—though, as Parade warned, “Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.”
Beyond just the answers, Mashable and CNET both highlighted the broader appeal of The Mini. It’s not just a puzzle; it’s a part of a growing ecosystem of daily games from The New York Times, including Wordle, Strands, and Connections. For many, completing The Mini is just one part of a daily ritual that includes checking in on multiple games, comparing times with friends, and sharing the occasional victory (or defeat) on social media. As Mashable cheerfully reminds readers, “If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.”
The competitive aspect of The Mini is another draw. With only a few clues, it’s a speed-runner’s dream—players often try to solve as quickly as possible, racing against the clock or their own personal bests. But that same brevity means that a single tough clue can throw off the whole attempt, making those hints and answer keys all the more valuable for players who refuse to let a puzzle defeat them. As Mashable observes, “The daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.”
For those who missed the December 22 puzzle or want to relive the challenge, CNET and Parade both offer archives and tips for improving one’s solving game. CNET suggests, “If you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.” And for those who simply want to keep up with the latest answers, both outlets provide daily updates and links to other popular games.
Ultimately, the December 22, 2025 edition of The Mini was a microcosm of what makes the puzzle so beloved: a clever mix of culture, wordplay, and seasonal cheer, all wrapped up in a format that’s accessible to newcomers and veterans alike. Whether you solved it in under a minute or needed a nudge from the hints, it was another memorable entry in the ongoing story of daily word games.
And for anyone still stumped by “I ___ even!”—rest assured, you’re not alone. There’s always another Mini tomorrow, and another chance to claim that sweet, fleeting victory.
