IT General

It was Christmas Day night and I couldn't sleep. Not through excitement for continued Twixmas celebrations, but because I knew I had a difficult and almost certainly heartbreaking conversation ahead of me.

My self-esteem was at an all time low and a situationship of mine had developed into an emotionally torturous interaction. Sex with a good friend meant catching unreciprocated feelings. Despite the friendship, he'd gone quiet and ghosted me during a winter lockdown. It felt terrible. Rotating all possibilities, my mind searched for answers during this period of silence. My inner critic used the situation as a stick to beat me with, evidence of all my shortcomings, proof that I was deficient in other people's eyes (not just my own).

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps and sites for this cuffing season

When he got back in touch to search for guilt absolution, to make sure his reputation remained unscathed in our friendship group, I was confused by his intentions and, I'll admit, I hoped he'd had a change of heart. Things came to a long overdue head as I sat next to my parents' Christmas tree sipping a gin and tonic — I knew I needed to end my misery and ask him what he wanted from me. Deep down, I realised the answer possibly wasn't going to be what my heart wanted, but I needed to be set free from this waiting room of sorrow. My anxiety was mounting to unbearable levels and I knew I couldn't put off the conversation any longer. So, on Boxing Day morning, I rolled over in bed and awoke to a message from him, apologising yet again for his behaviour. I sighed in recognition of what I needed to do.

After I'd sent the dreaded message, I sat in silence waiting for the inevitable. When his message arrived, the contents weren't surprising to me — but that didn't make it any less painful. And though I was free from the turmoil, that's when anxiety gave way to heartbreak, a feeling that wasn't exactly what I'd hoped to be dealing with over Christmas, a time of year I usually love. A neverending stream of tears rolled down my face as I sat watching my favourite films with my family. My mum looked at me with pity and concern, as I muffled tragic sniffs on the sofa. It was, as you can imagine, not a great time. And no amount of pigs in blankets or Terry's Chocolate Oranges would make me feel better (though you can't say I didn't try!).

Heartbreak, sadly, doesn't take a day off when it's a special occasion.

Heartbreak, sadly, doesn't take a day off when it's a special occasion. And the holidays can be particularly difficult when you're in the throes of a breakup, or the ending of a situationship. As writer Annie Lord, author of Notes On Heartbreak, tells me, "It's pretty horrible because everyone's so loved up during Christmas."

"There are couples everywhere, holding hands at the Christmas markets, looking for rings in shops, and when you turn on the TV they're still there, kissing in cozy cottages in The Holiday, declaring their love in Love Actually. I think the coldness makes people want to cozy up with someone they love," she says.

Just because it's hard doesn't mean you have to put up with it, though. Mashable spoke to psychotherapists for tips on coping with heartbreak during the holidays.

Limit your time on social media

If there's anything guaranteed to make you want to throw your phone at the wall, it's seeing endless pics of engagement rings with the caption "so, this happened!" You simply don't need to see it right now.

Fiona Yassin, family psychotherapist and founder and clinical director of The Wave Clinic, says it's a good idea to limit your social media use so you're not bombarded with what your friends and internet pals are up to during this period. "When we see others having fun on social media and we feel we are not, it can trigger negative emotions like loneliness and isolation," says Yassin.

Here are some tips on how to limit your Instagram usage and TikTok usage.

SEE ALSO: Why social media algorithms hurt after a breakup Give yourself time to grieve

The holidays are a time that champions joy. And that can be particularly challenging when you feel, well, pretty rotten. Giving yourself permission to feel sad is important in validating the difficult emotions you'll be (understandably!) feeling during this time.

"Don't feel like you're ruining other people's good time."

Dr. Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, says, "A big break up is comparable to grief, particularly if that person was very embedded in your life. Instead of rushing out to date again and trying to 'get over it,' be gentle with yourself and give yourself time and space to process the loss."

Also, don't feel bad for feeling sad. "Don't feel like you're ruining other people's good time," author Lord says. "You are not a burden. It's an honour to be able to be there for people when they need it."

If you've been ghosted, Mashable has some tips on how to move on.

Featured Video For You 'I was cloaked.' What it's like to be blocked and stood up by your Hinge date. Surround yourself with people you love

Heartbreak is a universal emotion and chances are, everyone around you right now will have gone through it at some point in their life. Opening up to others about what you're going through can make you feel less alone.

"Speak to your parents or any older members of your family. Most of the time they have been through this before and they survived, knowing this can give you hope," says Lord. "Christmas means you're often surrounded by your family and friends. Celebrate the love you get from them, a love that is often less intense or glamorous, but a lot more enduring than romantic love."

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Going home or to safe spaces can sometimes give you an opportunity to reconnect with your younger self. "Going home can be quite grounding," she adds. "You're surrounded by all this stuff from when you were younger which can put things into perspective. I remember finding an old diary of mine where I was crying over a guy and though I was now upset about another one, I could still see that I was dealing with it in a much better way."

Not everyone has access to a support network at this time of year. If your heartbreak is impacting your mental health or if you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody.

You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you're based in the UK, contact the Samaritans (116 123). If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

Try some grounding techniques

As a practical daily means to cope with heartbreak, Yassin recommends equipping yourself with some grounding techniques, which can be helpful for people to manage and work through emotions they wish they weren't feeling. Grounding techniques are exercises or activities that help you refocus on what's happening in the present moment, distracting yourself from triggers, anxious feelings, or difficult emotions.

"By using grounding techniques, we are not saying that we will not deal with or process the emotions and sensations, but we are saying that right now, at this moment, this is not going to intrude in what I’m doing," says Yassin. "Walking can be really good to bring you back into the moment. When we walk and put one foot in front of the other we are actually stimulating both sides of the brain in a process called Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) which can feel soothing for some." Here are six free grounding meditations to help you get started.

Repetitive activities like cross-stitch or crochet can have a soothing effect for some, while others like to keep themselves in motion. "Journaling or watching a good movie can also be effective grounding techniques," says Yassin. Touroni also recommends journaling as it "helps get difficult thoughts and feelings down on paper so you can gain greater clarity and a new perspective." Check out Mashable's non-intimidating guide to journaling to get started.

Look after your physical needs

When you're feeling low, it can be difficult to muster the energy to look after ourselves. Taking care of your immediate physical needs can be a way of making yourself feel a little better, despite not being able to shift the difficult emotions that come with heartbreak. Make sure you're hydrated, eating, and getting plenty of rest.

"Make sure you’re doing activities that keep you both physically and mentally healthy e.g. regular exercise, eating healthy, nutritious meals etc.," Touroni says. "Avoid turning to substances to numb any difficult thoughts and feelings. They might provide relief in the short-term but are likely to make things harder in the long run."

Can't sleep? Here are some tips on tangible things you can do to help you drift off.

Don't rush into another relationship

Heartbreak can also be accompanied with feelings of panic, especially if you have been contending with anxious thoughts about "running out of time." If you can resist some of these feelings and try to reassure that anxious voice in your head, know that you are allowed to take time to heal, and that you are enough on your own.

Yassir advises against rushing into another relationship straight away— often referred to as a "rebound". "People that rebound tend to be those who are already struggling around interpersonal relations and relationships. Build a relationship with yourself before having a relationship with someone else. It’s unlikely a rebound relationship will be healthy if you don’t give yourself the time and space to be able to work out what you’re feeling."

SEE ALSO: What are the rules for blocking someone after a breakup? Don't read into their texts

As the queen of reading-into-text-messages, I feel highly qualified in saying that it's completely natural to want to search for signs of hope in any contact you might have had from the heartbreak-inflicter. But this habit can also prolong your agony and make it difficult to accept what's really happening.

"If they message you 'Happy Christmas' don't start thinking it signals anything."

"If they message you 'Happy Christmas' don't start thinking it signals anything," says Lord. "They're probably just trying to be polite. At the same time if you're the one who ended the relationship don't send a text, it will confuse your ex."

A good rule of thumb is to assume that there is never a hidden meaning to their messages. If a person wants something badly enough, they'll find a way to make sure their meaning and intention are fully understood. Tell yourself that if they want to communicate something important, they will likely do so in an explicit manner.

Cut yourself some slack

When you're feeling sad, the last thing you need is another voice inside your head telling you what a misery you are. Your inner critic can rear their annoying head during this time to convince you that you're bringing down the vibe, but most people understand that heartbreak truly is the worst.

"Be really kind to yourself," advises Lord. "Don't get annoyed if you don't get off the sofa for the entire day, that's what Christmas is for and everyone's doing it too. It might feel like in doing these things you're going backward, but you're not you're getting somewhere because stewing and feeling miserable is all part of the process."

Talk to someone

If you're really struggling, don't suffer in silence. Speak to a mental health professional if you can. Shout is a 24/7 free mental health service in the UK (Text SHOUT to 85258). If you're in the U.S., text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741.

"If you find yourself stuck in the same recurring relationship patterns, it could be a sign to dig a little deeper," Touroni advises. "Negative early life experiences can sometimes impact the types of relationships we form — and choose —in later life. If you suspect there are things in your past that you haven’t dealt with, therapy is a great place to start this process."

Lean on your support network and don't bottle up your feelings. "If you’re struggling, reach out to friends and family," Touroni adds. "These are the moments when we need their support the most, and the right people will want to be there for you."

If you're nursing a bruised or shattered heart this Christmas, know that you're not alone. And know that it won't be forever. Take care of yourself.

This article was first published in 2022 and republished in 2024.

SAVE UP TO 25%: Now through Dec. 23, you can save up to 25% off select items during Instacart’s ‘Tis a Big Deal Week. Shop Sephora, Best Buy, The Home Depot, Kohl’s, Petco, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart Instacart’s ‘Tis a Big Deal Week Save up to 25% Shop Now

The holiday shopping season is almost over, but that doesn't mean it's too late to find some great deals on last-minute gifts. With just a week to go until Christmas, Instacart has announced its second annual Holiday Deal Week, where you can get up to 25% off select products from major retailers like Petco, Kohl’s, Best Buy, and others.

SEE ALSO: Give yourself the gift of time with 50% off a Shipt annual membership

If you don’t have an Instacart membership, the company’s also offering a limited-time deal where you can get two weeks of Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express) for free. This’ll get you $0 grocery delivery fees on orders of $10 or more (usually, it’s $35), in addition to other perks, like a one-year subscription to New York Times Cooking and free Peacock Premium.

Once the two-week trial is up, you can either cancel or opt to pay $99/year or $9.99/month for the Instacart+ membership.

To shop the deals, visit the Instacart app or website, add the items you want to your cart, and watch the savings add up. You can also send a gift directly to friends and family by entering their address and selecting “make it a gift” at checkout.

Buying gifts for gamers can be tough, since it’s hard to know what they like or already own. If you’re in doubt, the best option may be to let them buy what they want with a gift card.

System76 has just released a new Pangolin laptop. The new version has been redesigned with an all-aluminum body and some helpful internal upgrades.

Have you been taking advantage of all of the deals this holiday season? Don't forget about a VPN! You can save 75% on NordVPN from now until Sunday.

SAVE $130: The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are on sale for $99.99 (normally $229.99) as a Dec. 18 Bonus Deal of the Day at Best Buy — a 57% discount on their $229.99 MSRP.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro $99.99 at Best Buy
$229.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

We're getting a little down to the wire, here, but Best Buy might have just dropped one of the season's best deals on a sub-$100 stocking stuffer for Samsung users.

The tech retailer has the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro on sale for just $99.99 (normally $229.99) as of its Bonus Deals of the Day for Dec. 18. That's a massive 57% savings and what appears to be their lowest price ever. At the time of writing, they were available for pickup as soon as Dec. 24 or available for delivery soon as tomorrow, depending on the color. Choose from graphite, white, or bora purple variants.

SEE ALSO: From studying to working out, these are the best earbuds of 2024

A 2022 release, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are still Samsung's current flagship earbuds. Their "strong audio quality and stronger active noise cancellation" make them an excellent buy for those who own other Galaxy devices, according to Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry, who gave them a 4/5 rating at launch. He thought Apple's Beats Fit Pro had a slight edge over them due to their broader compatibility, and the fact that they're $30 cheaper at full price. But if you've committed to the Samsung ecosystem, Best Buy's one-day deal pretty much neutralizes the competition.

Amazon and Samsung's website were technically matching Best Buy's offer when we checked, but only if you bought the Galaxy Buds2 Pro in used condition or traded in an older audio device, respectively. Elsewhere, they were sold out at Target and full price at Walmart.

The Meta Quest 3 is a fantastic headset for virtual reality and mixed reality experiences, but the controllers aren’t perfect. Thankfully, a simple accessory fixed all my problems and gave me some unexpected upgrades.

Oops, you did it again. You waited until the last minute to get a gift. You love your parents, boyfriend/girlfriend, friends, and that coworker who always has work tea — but when you're stressing over the perfect gift for said special person, time gets away from you. Finding a last-minute gift that's actually meaningful is hard, to be quite honest. But there are still ways to get personalized or sentimental gifts even in a time crunch. Depending on how last-minute you're pushing it, there are actually some really neat gifts you can get. This is especially true if you're an Amazon Prime member and get free one- and two-day shipping, plus some overnight delivery options. The safest bets include online services, subscription services, and stuff with digital delivery. And in a year when everything is more expensive than we're used to, a simple gift card isn't boring — it's a lifesaver. Check out some unique last-minute gift options below.

SAVE $35: As of Dec. 18, the Echo Spot is on sale for $44.99 at Amazon. This is 44% off its list price of $79.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot (newest model) $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00 Get Deal

Amazon's offering up some nice discounts in the lead-up to the holidays for those getting some last-minute shopping in. Some items are even at their lowest-ever prices right now, like the Amazon Echo Spot, so you can save big on this smart alarm clock and even get it before Christmas.

Amazon has the Echo Spot marked down to $44.99, 44% off its list price of $79.99. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is also the lowest-ever price for the Echo Spot, so there's truly no better time to pick it up. And if you have it on your list as a gift for the holidays, what's even better is Amazon notes it'll arrive before Christmas so you don't need to worry about late delivery.

SEE ALSO: Seize these last minute tablet deals from Amazon, Apple, and more

The Echo Spot is a worthy investment, too. It's a smart alarm clock with Alexa that can tell you about the weather, reminders you set, and play your favorite tunes or podcasts alongside telling the time. It's also a great size with a sleek design that can fit nicely on a bedside table or desk.

As Amazon states on its deal page, though, this is a limited-time offer so act fast to save on the Echo Spot.

The Echo Spot joins a variety of other Echo devices that Amazon has marked down right now. Have a look at our roundup of Amazon Echo deals to see if any more catch your eye. It's also worth checking out Amazon's top 100 holiday gift ideas to see if there are any more items worth picking up ahead of the holidays.

Facebook trouble? Whether you have an account-related issue or you want to report a bug, you have a few ways to contact Facebook support. We'll show you what your contact options are

Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) and Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) commit the most magical hit-and-run in the trailer for A24's Death of a Unicorn.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

The directorial debut for Alex Scharfman (producer of House of Spoils) centers on Elliot (Rudd) and his daughter Ridley (Ortega) as they head to a weekend retreat hosted by Elliot's billionaire boss Dell Leopold (Richard E. Grant, The Franchise). On the way there, they hit and kill a unicorn with their car. But what they see as a bizarre tragedy — and possibly a crime? — Dell sees as an opportunity. He and his ultra-rich Leopold family (played by The Bear's Will Poulter and Only Murders in the Building's Téa Leoni) decide to research the poor, dead unicorn's curative properties. According to the film's first trailer, it might even be the cure for cancer. ("That's the biggest one!" Poulter's character exclaims.)

But if you thought killing a unicorn (and exploiting it for dubious studies) was already crazy, the second half of Death of a Unicorn's trailer kicks it into high gear. Turns out, there's another unicorn on the loose. This one has more of a snarling, werewolf vibe — and it is bloodthirsty as can be. Basically, it looks like that one killer unicorn scene from Cabin in the Woods walked so this could run.

Death of a Unicorn hits theaters this spring.

Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown trades psychic superpowers for robots in The Electric State, directed by the MCU's Russo Brothers.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

This retrofuturistic sci-fi adventure adapts Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel of the same name, in which robots live in exile after a failed rebellion. In this alternate version of the '90s, an orphaned girl named Michelle (Brown) travels across the United States in search of her long-lost brother Christopher. She's accompanied by a robot named Cosmo (voiced by Alan Tudyk, Moana 2), who may just be under Christopher's control, as well as a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt, Guardians of the Galaxy).

But there are many, many more stars (and robots) awaiting Michelle on her journey. Brown and Pratt will meet up with Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once), Stanley Tucci (Conclave), Giancarlo Esposito (The Boys), and more on their journey into The Electric State's robot-filled Exclusion Zone.

The Electric State hits Netflix on March 14.

TL;DR: Live stream Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final for free on FIFA+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Imagine winning the FIFA Derby of the Americas and the FIFA Challenger Cup, and your reward is Real Madrid.

Pachuca battled for a spot in the final of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, only to be matched up with Real Madrid. And Real Madrid didn't even need to qualify, which seems a little unfair on the Mexican side. Of course, Pachuca are not just here to make up the numbers. They will be coming into this final with the goal of upsetting the odds and lifting the trophy.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the FIFA Intercontinental Cup?

The FIFA Intercontinental Cup is an international men's football competition organised by FIFA. The competition features the club champions of the six confederations of FIFA, and is played as a knockout tournament with the European team receiving a bye to the final.

When is Real Madrid vs. Pachuca?

Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 18. This fixture is taking place at the Lusail Stadium.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Pachuca for free

Real Madrid vs. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final is available to live stream for free on FIFA+.

FIFA+ is available worldwide, so fans from all around the world should be able to watch this fixture without spending anything. But if you are having problems accessing this free live stream, you should consider using a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can bypass content restrictions to unblock free live streams from around the world.

What is the best VPN for FIFA+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on FIFA+, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Smart speakers are useful all year round, but even more so at Christmas. Alexa tricks and routines can make life a little easier or more magical, and keep the kids entertained while you get on with all of your other Christmas tasks.

It took Apple a long, long time to properly bring Apple Maps to the web, but the version that we got in July was...well, adequate. You could use it to search for places, explore the map or get directions, but advanced features such as Look Around, Apple's version of Google Maps' Street View, were missing.

Well, Apple recently rectified this omission.

SEE ALSO: Apple is finally getting serious about foldable devices, reports say

As noticed by Chris Carley (via 9to5Mac) Apple Maps beta now has Look Around, which shows up as a small binoculars icon in the bottom left corner of the map. Click it, and you get a small window showing you the surroundings in a 360-degree, panoramic view. You can extend that window to cover the entire area of the map. Inside the Look Around view, you can click and drag with your mouse to turn around, zoom in and out with a pinch gesture on your trackpad, or double tap anywhere to move the camera forward.

This is an expanded view of a street in New York City. Credit: Apple Maps

It's a little different than Google Maps' Street View, which enables you to drag the little yellow man anywhere on the map to get a view of that precise location. On Apple Maps, you have to activate Look Around, and then click on a precise location on the map to see the surroundings there. Also, Apple Maps lets you move around in smaller increments, which can be useful if you need to check something in a very precise location, such as a street number.

Unlike Street View, Apple's Look Around is not available just about anywhere; you'll find it in some cities in the U.S., most of Europe, the UK, Japan, and Israel, to name a few places. For a full list, check Apple's website.

The feature works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari; you can check it out on Apple Maps.

At long last, Squid Game Season 2 is almost upon us. If you're struggling to wait, though, Player 456 himself (Lee Jung-jae) has appeared on The Tonight Show to give us a few last-minute clues.

In the clip above he's presented with two buzzers — one for "yes", and one for "no" — and asked a series of questions about the new season.

The most interesting one? "Do you become the new Front Man?", which prompts Jung-jae to press both buttons at once.

Squid Game Season 2 arrives Dec. 26 on Netflix.

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for December 18 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Wednesday, December 18, 2024:

Across"Spy vs Spy" magazine

• The answer is Mad.

Painfully slow

• The answer is Glacial.

Family tree

• The answer is Lineage.

Boolean logic operator

• The answer is And.

Called the shots

• The answer is Led.

Wheeling and _____

• The answer is Dealing.

Informal alliance

• The answer is Entente.

Baby carrier?

• The answer is Egg.

DownWhat a landslide political victory confers

• The answer is Mandate.

High card

• The answer is Ace.

Ringing up, old-style

• The answer is Dialing.

S.C. Johnson spray

• The answer is Glade.

Flax fabric

• The answer is Linen.

Deal maker

• The answer is Agent.

Pigeon's perch

• The answer is Ledge.

Turkey part

• The answer is Leg.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A critical jousting tool.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for December 18 Hurdle Word 1 answer

LANCE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Sometimes depicted wearing a halo.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 18 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ANGEL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To swear.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 18 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2024 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CURSE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A sustained period of activity involving a specific act or task.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 18 Hurdle Word 4 answer

SPREE

Final Hurdle hint

To measure how heavy something is.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

WEIGH

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

You decorate your home during the holidays, so why not your Mac? There are plenty of ways you can make your Mac feel a little more festive, here are my favorites.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for December 18 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Handling a task

• Green: Brews with distinct flavors

• Blue: Actions in the financial market

• Purple: Precedes "dome"

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Deal With

• Green: Styles of Beer

• Blue: Investment Verbs

• Purple: ___Dome

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #556 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Deal With: FIELD, HANDLE, MANAGE, TACKLE

• Styles of Beer: BITTER, BOCK, SOUR, STOUT

• Investment Verbs: HEDGE, HOLD, SHORT, TRADE

• ___Dome: CAPITOL, CHROME, ONION, TEAPOT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.