Christopher’s Secret Puzzle

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Across
  1. 2. — Teacher, or footwear in Britain
  2. 4. — Cheerful, not sad
  3. 8. — Festive occasion, often with cake
  4. 9. — Musician with bagpipes
  5. 10. — Cheers raised in honor
  6. 11. — Shock concealed in wrapping paper
  7. 12. — English place name, hidden in “wealth + ham”
  8. 14. — Short talk before action — military or corporate
  9. 15. — Instruction, not always in school
  10. 16. — Hold‑up, often weather‑related
Down
  1. 1. — Relatives gathered together
  2. 3. — Fighter in battle
  3. 5. — Pale shade
  4. 6. — Annual marker, candles optional
  5. 7. — Keepsake of a special day
  6. 8. — Apostle once, or “Top Hero” scrambled
  7. 11. — Expression of joy, often caught in photos
  8. 13. — Gathering of wings — cryptically “air + group”