Where the Holiday Heart Is
Difficulty ● ● ◐ ○ ○
Puzzle Notes
Dear Citizens of Crossword Nation,
It would be an understatement to say that the holidays are different this year. Muted, subdued, pared-down to the basics. We're staying put. I’m content with the spare Christmas décor this year – twinkle lights (which will stay up long after the holidays – possibly all year), a Nativity scene, and favorite cards I’d collected over the years. Simple and comforting.
Today’s theme celebrates a hero that played a significantly-different role as we modulated into a new key of life during the 2020 global pandemic. It is said that gratitude is a cornerstone of happiness. During every holiday season, we are reminded of those who don’t have access to a 120-Across. How blessed we are if we do have one!
Our holiday puzzle is big – Sunday-sized – and a bit more difficult than the usual Tuesday fare. In response to subscriber feedback regarding holiday puzzles, we pumped up the difficulty level just a smidge. Because of the layered theme, I’ve taken more liberties than usual – more partials and proper names. You know the drill -- those entries support a higher cause!
We suggest solving the print version, as you’ll be asked to reveal a three-dimensional figure at the end of the solve. For those who solve digitally, you can skip the artwork and check out the answer grid in Ade Koiki’s review on Amy Reynaldo’s blog. (See below for links to Amy’s blog.)
Welcome to Week 499 of Crossword Nation. For your immediate consideration, we invite you to solve “Where the Holiday Heart Is.”
Thank you for subscribing to my little puzzle series. I wish you and yours the Peace of the Season and Blessings for the New Year.
Cruciverbally yours,
Liz
Solvers of The New Yorker crossword: For a moderately-difficult solving experience, please try my latest puzzle in The New Yorker. Click here!
Mini Crossword Aficionados: For a quick solve, please try the Daily Mini Crossword in the L. A. Times. It's free! Simply bookmark and visit daily for a new puzzle.
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If you enjoy our 'indie' Crossword Nation puzzles, please give them a positive rating on Amy Reynaldo's blog, Diary of a Crossword Fiend. Your ratings help keep our little puzzle shop independent and strong!
Ade Koiki blogs our puzzle every Tuesday. Simply page through Amy's blog to find the Tuesday blog posts. http://crosswordfiend.com/
Happy solving and be well!
Liz Gorski