‘Nativity scene’ NYT Mini Crossword clue answer and hints

Are you familiar with Christian traditions and celebrating Christmas? Today’s NYT Mini Crossword clue, “Nativity scene,” asks you to find a word that represents the birth of Jesus Christ.

If you can’t crack the clue in today’s NYT Mini Crossword, here are some tips and solutions for Sept. 21 to guide you through the word game. 

‘Nativity scene’ NYT Sept. 21 Mini Crossword hints and answer

• Hint 1: The answer is displayed in homes, churches, and public spaces around Christmas time.
• Hint 2: The six-letter solution is commonly seen in places like France, Italy, and Spain, where they are an important part of holiday traditions. The answer also has a French Etymology. 
• Hint 3: It starts with the letter “C.”
• Hint 4: The solution is also showcased in a 1992 Christmas special titled Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean, where Mr. Bean shows his innocence and mischief to create a humorous scene for the audience.

Let’s jump in and reveal the answer. 

Did you see it coming? The answer to five down in the Sept. 21 New York Times Mini Crossword is “CRECHE.” According to Merriam-Webster, a crèche is “a representation of the Nativity scene,” which is the perfect answer for the clue.

‘Nativity scene’ NYT Mini Crossword difficulty rating

I have seen many nativity scenes in my life, but I wasn’t aware of the word “Creche.” Therefore, I had to solve the rest of the crossword to find the answer. However, if you’re fluent in French and spend a lot of time decorating during Christmas, then you should be familiar with the word. So, I’d give it a four out of five for difficulty.

NYT Mini Crossword (Sept. 21) answers

Across

• 1A Cover, as a birthday present—WRAP
• 5A Laid-back—CHILL
• 6A “Hawaii and Tennessee are the only two U.S. states whose names end in doubled letters,” e.g.—TRIVIA
• 7A Quit one’s job—RESIGN
• 8A “Oliver Twist” novelist—DICKENS
• 9A “Do unto ___ …” (start of the Golden Rule)—OTHERS
• 10A “Bye-bye!”—SEEYA

Down

• 1D What Maker’s Mark made its mark in—WHISKEY
• 2D Coastal region of southeast France and northwest Italy—RIVIERA
• 3D Puts in a row—ALIGNS
• 4D Social engagements—PLANS
• 5D Nativity scene—CRECHE
• 6D Lacking originality—TRITE
• 8D Two, in Tijuana—DOS

How to play other word games like the NYT Mini Crossword

If you’re into word games like the NYT Mini, the LA Times and the Washington Post crosswords are right up your alley. For something outside the norm, Strands and Spelling Bee are great options for flexing your vocabulary muscles.