A: That would be cipher - or - cryptic.

Today, we celebrate national Crossword Puzzle Day, December 21, which commemorates the birth of the challenging word game enjoyed by millions worldwide.  

Printers published the first crossword puzzles in England in children’s books and other publications. They were simple word games derived from the word squares where letters were arranged in a square so that the words read the same across and down.

The object of a crossword puzzle is to fill in the white spaces of a grid with the correct words using the clues provided. Black spaces separate individual words. The clues to more challenging puzzles read like riddles, making the game more complex.

Buy a crossword book or find one online. Then, enjoy some popcorn while you puzzle your way through your favorite crossword! We also suggest these fun ways to celebrate:

• Are you bi-lingual or learning a new language? Consider completing a crossword puzzle in your second language. 
• Challenge someone to a race. Earn bragging rights for completing your puzzle first.
• Try your hand at creating a crossword puzzle. Sometimes forming the clues is more challenging than the puzzle framework. 
• If you create your own crossword, see if you can fit a loved one’s name into it. 
• Challenge yourself to complete a puzzle a day for the rest of the year.