Today's NYT Strands is live for Friday, January 2, 2026 (Puzzle #670). Stuck on today's Strands? We've got progressive hints, from gentle nudges to full solutions, so you can solve at your own pace.
How Strands Works (New Players Start Here)
Strands hides themed words inside a 6x8 letter grid. Your mission: find every word connected to the day's theme. Letters link in any direction (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and words can twist and turn. Every letter gets used exactly once.
The spangram is the key word or phrase that captures the theme and stretches across the entire board, touching opposite edges.
Need a boost? Find any 4+ letter word (even non-theme words) three times, and the game reveals a hint highlighting theme word letters.
Theme Decoder
Today's Theme Prompt: "Home is where the hearth is"
What It Really Means
This theme focuses on cozy, comforting items and activities associated with staying warm and comfortable at home during cold weather.
Think About...
- Items you'd use to keep warm indoors
- Comforting winter beverages and clothing
- Cozy activities and home features
Spangram Clues
Orientation: Horizontal
Letter Count: 8 letters
Starting Zone: Begins in the top row
Progressive Spangram Hints
Hint 1 (Gentle): A phrase about maintaining comfort in cold conditions
Hint 2 (Warmer): What you do when you want to avoid getting cold
Hint 3 (Almost There): First letter is S, last letter is M
---
---
---
---
---
STAYWARM
Word-by-Word Hints
Solve as many as you can before peeking. Each word includes escalating clues.
Word 1
Vague: Something you wear when lounging at home
Closer: A comfortable garment often worn over pajamas
Letter Clue: Starts with R, 4 letters total
Answer
ROBE
Word 2
Vague: A warm winter beverage
Closer: Chocolate-based hot drink
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 5 letters total
Answer
COCOA
Word 3
Vague: Something you wrap yourself in
Closer: A thick covering for warmth on a couch or bed
Letter Clue: Starts with B, 7 letters total
Answer
BLANKET
Word 4
Vague: A cozy physical interaction
Closer: Snuggling or affectionate holding
Letter Clue: Starts with C, 7 letters total
Answer
CUDDLES
Word 5
Vague: Comfortable indoor footwear
Closer: Soft shoes worn around the house
Letter Clue: Starts with S, 8 letters total
Answer
SLIPPERS
Word 6
Vague: A traditional heat source
Closer: Where you might build a fire for warmth
Letter Clue: Starts with F, 9 letters total
Answer
FIREPLACE
Full Answers
Spangram: STAYWARM
Theme Words:
- ROBE
- COCOA
- BLANKET
- CUDDLES
- SLIPPERS
- FIREPLACE
Puzzle Debrief
Difficulty Rating: Easy
Trickiest Word: CUDDLES (The plural form might throw off some solvers expecting singular nouns)
Our Take: A straightforward, cozy theme perfect for early January. The words are all common comfort items, making this puzzle accessible for most solvers. The spangram ties everything together neatly with a clear winter message.
