Strands, the latest word puzzle from The New York Times, challenges players to find a series of related words hidden within a grid. For Friday, January 2, 2026, the puzzle presents the theme "Home is where the hearth is," a clue that points directly to the comforts of domestic life. If you're seeking today's NYT Strands hints to guide you toward the solution without giving everything away immediately, you've come to the right place.
Spoiler-Free Hints and Strategy
If you prefer to solve the puzzle on your own, here are some gentle nudges in the right direction. The theme focuses on items and actions that provide warmth and comfort, especially during colder weather. Think about what you would utilize to retain body heat or create a cozy atmosphere indoors.
Regarding the spangram, the central word that spans the entire board, consider the ultimate goal of these cozy activities. It is a two-word phrase that describes the objective of seeking shelter from the cold. As you scan the grid, look for words that can be associated with a living room or bedroom setting.
Full Solution and Spangram Reveal
Warning: The answers for today's puzzle are revealed below.
The spangram for today's puzzle is STAY WARM. This phrase perfectly encapsulates the theme and connects all the other words found in the grid.
The theme words you are looking for are:
- BLANKET
- SLIPPERS
- COCOA
- ROBE
- FIREPLACE
- CUDDLES
Credit: Strands/NYT
How to Play Strands Like a Pro
Strands is a unique blend of a word search and a crossword. The goal is to find all the theme words hidden in the grid, which include a single spangram that describes the puzzle's theme. Unlike a standard word search, words can snake in any direction--up, down, left, right, and diagonally--and you will only use each letter once.
Finding the Spangram First
Experienced players often hunt for the spangram first. Because it spans the entire board (either horizontally or vertically), it usually reveals the theme's broadest context. In this case, finding STAY WARM immediately gives you the context needed to spot words like BLANKET or ROBE. When you find the spangram, it is highlighted in yellow.
Using Hints Effectively
If you get stuck, Strands offers a hint system. You can submit any valid, non-theme word that is at least four letters long. For every three such words you find, the game allows you to activate a hint. This will highlight the letters of one specific theme word, though you still need to connect them in the correct order. This mechanic is useful for breaking out of a mental block without completely spoiling the solution.
Credit: Strands/NYT
Why Daily Puzzles Boost Cognitive Health
Engaging with daily word puzzles like Strands does more than just pass the time; it serves as a mental workout. Regularly challenging your brain with pattern recognition and vocabulary recall is linked to improved cognitive function (Harvard, 2024). The satisfaction of solving a puzzle, particularly one based on a comforting theme like staying warm, can also trigger a release of dopamine, enhancing your mood (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Whether you solved today's puzzle instantly or needed a few hints, the routine of checking in with today's NYT Strands hints provides a moment of focus and achievement to start your day. Come back tomorrow for a fresh challenge and new clues.
