GCHQ Unveils Annual Christmas Card Featuring Puzzles Designed by Schoolchildren

The Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) has released its annual Christmas card, which this year incorporates puzzles created by schoolchildren. The card features a narrative about a robber attempting to steal Christmas presents, set within a complex house layout that challenges participants to solve various brainteasers. This initiative aims to engage the public, particularly students, in problem-solving and critical thinking related to cybersecurity and intelligence.

The Guardian

The Christmas card includes seven puzzles designed to test skills such as code-breaking, mathematics, and lateral thinking. One notable puzzle requires participants to identify a special seven-letter word with unique constraints, while another involves deciphering a coded message. GCHQ's director, Anne Keast-Butler, emphasized the importance of puzzles in the agency's work, stating that they encourage creative and analytical thinking essential for national security.

The Guardian

GCHQ has included puzzles in its Christmas cards since 2015, aiming to foster interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects among young people. This year's card marks a significant shift as it features designs from a competition involving over 500 pupils, judged by Keast-Butler and the agency's chief puzzler, known only as Colin.

The Guardian

The competition yielded three winning designs from students: Haoran from Wilson’s School in London, Mariia from the Henry Beaufort School in Winchester, and Amelie from South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury. These designs reflect the students' interpretations of what GCHQ might look like on Christmas Day.

The Guardian

Anne Keast-Butler remarked, “Puzzles are at the heart of GCHQ’s work to keep the country safe from hostile states, terrorists and criminals; challenging our teams to think creatively and analytically every day.” Colin added that the puzzles are intentionally varied to cater to different skill sets, promoting teamwork among participants.

The Guardian

This initiative not only serves to entertain but also aims to inspire the next generation to consider careers in cybersecurity and intelligence. With over 140,000 downloads of last year's puzzles, GCHQ recognizes the value of these activities in bringing people together during the festive season.

The Guardian

The puzzles from this year's Christmas card are available for download on GCHQ's official website, with answers set to be published on December 10, 2025, at 9 PM. This ongoing engagement with the public is part of GCHQ's broader strategy to promote awareness and interest in national security careers.

The Guardian

• “The agency’s director, Anne Keast-Butler, said: “Puzzles are at the heart of GCHQ’s work to keep the country safe from hostile states, terrorists and criminals; challenging our teams to think creatively and analytically every day.” — Anne Keast-Butler, Director of GCHQ

The Guardian

• “Colin said the puzzles in the card had been devised to suit different skill sets: “Some will suit analytical minds; others require creative leaps of perseverance.” — Colin, Chief Puzzler at GCHQ

The Guardian

This year's Christmas card initiative exemplifies GCHQ's commitment to education and community engagement, reinforcing the importance of collaborative problem-solving in both festive and professional contexts.

The Guardian