The New York Times Games presents Connections, a daily word puzzle—even on Christmas Eve! Need a hand solving this relaxing brain teaser? This guide offers hints, clues, and even full spoilers for Connections puzzle #562 (December 24, 2024). Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, we've got you covered.

Today's Connections Puzzle Words

The puzzle includes: Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh My, Dear, Jays, Bills, Use, Bye, Bees, Please, Close, Tight, Gimme, Ease, and Intimate.

Helpful Hints & Clues

Below are hints and partial spoilers to aid your puzzle-solving journey. Full spoilers are at the very end.

General Hints

Consider these general tips:

1. Forget sports teams.
2. Animal types aren't the focus.
3. "Bye" and "Gimme" belong together.

Yellow Category Hints (Easy)

Think famous movie quote.

Yellow Category Answer (Easy)

The category is: "Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!"

Yellow Category Solution (Easy)

The words are: Bears, Lions, Oh My, Tigers.

Green Category Hints (Medium)

Consider close relationships.

Green Category Answer (Medium)

The category is: Close Friends.

Green Category Solution (Medium)

The words are: Close, Dear, Intimate, Tight.

Blue Category Hints (Hard)

Think sounds and letter combinations. Consider these words: Seas, Geeze, Eyes.

Blue Category Answer (Hard)

The category is: Words Sounding Like Plural Letters.

Blue Category Solution (Hard)

The words are: Bees, Ease, Jays, Use.

Purple Category Hints (Tricky)

Think song titles and multiples of three.

Purple Category Answer (Tricky)

The category is: **Song