NYT Connections today — my hints and answers for Monday, December 16 (game #554)

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need clues.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #554) - today's words

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• LIGHT BULB
• SNOWBALL
• HAM
• CHICKEN
• PILLOW
• YODEL
• BAR
• FOOD
• KNOCK-KNOCK
• WALKIE-TALKIE
• DING DONG
• WATER BALLOON
• SATELLITE
• DEVIL DOG
• AM
• HOHO

NYT Connections today (game #554) - hint #1 - group hints

What are ...