Whether you solve with a pen on a Sunday morning or in an app on your phone, crosswords are one of the world's most popular puzzles. Crossword Puzzle Day, on December 21, celebrates the anniversary of the first crossword, published in 1913. It's a perfect day to tackle a puzzle, introduce a friend to the hobby, or even try writing your own. Crosswords are fun, but they're also a great workout for vocabulary, memory and lateral thinking.
History of Crossword Puzzle Day
Word puzzles have existed for centuries, but the modern crossword was invented by Arthur Wynne, a journalist from Liverpool, England, who worked for the New York World newspaper. On December 21, 1913, he published a diamond-shaped 'Word-Cross' puzzle in the paper's Sunday 'Fun' section. A few weeks later, a typesetting change turned the name into 'Cross-Word', and eventually 'crossword'.
Crosswords quickly became a regular feature. In 1924, a new publishing company, Simon & Schuster, released a book of crossword puzzles as its first title, and it became a bestseller, sparking a nationwide crossword craze in the 1920s.
The New York Times, which had initially dismissed crosswords as a fad, published its first crossword in 1942. Its puzzles, which grow more difficult from Monday to Saturday, became some of the most famous in the world. In Britain, cryptic crosswords, with clever wordplay clues, developed their own devoted following.
Today, crosswords appear in newspapers, apps and online, and themed puzzles and crossword tournaments draw large audiences.
Why Crossword Puzzle Day Matters
Crosswords keep the mind active, building vocabulary and general knowledge. Many people enjoy them as a daily ritual and a calm break from screens or busy schedules.
They're also social. Solving a puzzle together, swapping hints or debating a tricky clue is a great way to connect with friends and family.
How to Celebrate Crossword Puzzle Day
- Solve a puzzle: try one at your level, or step up to a harder day of the week.
- Solve with a friend: share a puzzle and take turns with clues.
- Try a cryptic: learn the basics of British-style cryptic clues.
- Make your own: create a crossword with personal clues for a friend or family member.
- Join a community: follow a crossword blog or join a local puzzle club.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a themed crossword with clues about your company or team for a fun December break, or set up a group solving session over lunch. In classrooms, teachers can create vocabulary crosswords for any subject, or have students design their own crosswords using key terms from a unit. It's an engaging way to reinforce spelling and definitions. At home, solve a puzzle together after dinner, give children a beginner crossword, or create a family-themed puzzle with clues about inside jokes and memories as a holiday gift. Older relatives often love crosswords, and solving one together can be a great way to spend time with grandparents.
Fun Facts About Crossword Puzzle Day
- Arthur Wynne published the first crossword on December 21, 1913.
- Simon & Schuster's first book, in 1924, was a crossword collection.
- The New York Times published its first crossword in 1942.
Crossword Puzzle Day FAQs
When is Crossword Puzzle Day?
Crossword Puzzle Day is December 21.
Who invented the crossword?
Arthur Wynne, who published the first one in the New York World on December 21, 1913.
What's a cryptic crossword?
A puzzle where each clue contains wordplay as well as a definition, popular in Britain.
Are crosswords good for your brain?
They exercise vocabulary, memory and problem-solving skills and are a stimulating hobby.