Tackle today's *Connections* puzzle from the New York Times Games, even on this Christmas Eve! Need a little help conquering this relaxing word puzzle? You've come to the right place.
This guide provides assistance for those already familiar with *Connections* gameplay. Below, you'll find general hints, category clues, spoilers, and more – everything you need to achieve victory.
Words in the NYT Connections Puzzle #562 (December 24, 2024)

Today's puzzle includes: Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh My, Dear, Jays, Bills, Use, Bye, Bees, Please, Close, Tight, Gimme, Ease, and Intimate.
Hints for the NYT Connections Puzzle
Need a nudge without full spoilers? These sections offer varying levels of assistance.
General Hints for the Entire Puzzle

Here are some helpful tips:
- No groups relate to sports teams.
- No groups focus solely on animal types.
- "Bye" and "Gimme" belong together.
Yellow Category Hints

Hint: A famous Wizard of Oz phrase.
Yellow Category Answer

Category: Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!
Yellow Category Answer & Words

Category: Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!
Words: Bears, Lions, Oh my, Tigers
Green Category Hints

Hint: Think close companions.
Green Category Answer

Category: Beloved, as a Friend
Green Category Answer & Words

Category: Beloved, as a Friend
Words: Close, Dear, Intimate, Tight
Blue Category Hints

Hint: Other possible words: Seas, Geeze, Eyes
Blue Category Answer

Category: Words that Sound Like Plural Letters
Blue Category Answer & Words

Category: Words that Sound Like Plural Letters
Words: Bees, Ease, Jays, Use
Purple Category Hints

Hint: One-third of a song title.
Purple Category Answer

Category: When Tripled, Hit Song Titles
Purple Category Answer & Words

Category: When Tripled, Hit Song Titles
Words: Bills, Bye, Gimme, Please
Answers for NYT Connections #562 (December 24, 2024)
Ready for the complete solution?

- Yellow - Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!: Bears, Lions, Oh my, Tigers
- Green - Beloved, as a Friend: Close, Dear, Intimate, Tight
- Blue - Words that Sound Like Plural Letters: Bees, Ease, Jays, Use
- Purple - When Tripled, Hit Song Titles: Bills, Bye, Gimme, Please

Want to play? Find the New York Times Games Connections website; it's accessible on most devices with a browser.