Christmas Crossword

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Across
  1. 5. (8) – Receptacle that’s filled only when left empty.
  2. 7. (8) – Choir that arrives unannounced yet warmly welcomed.
  3. 9. (8) – Colorful layer standing between you and early discovery.
  4. 10. (7) – Freezing points that drip with danger.
  5. 11. (6) – Traditional drink whose strength varies by host.
  6. 14. (10) – Worker whose route covers every time zone in one night.
  7. 16. (9) – Tiny object that remains in your carpet until July.
  8. 20. (6) – Period that counts down but rarely counts calmly.
  9. 21. (10) – Noisemaker with more jingle than purpose.
  10. 22. (4) – Guide that historically outshined all others.
  11. 23. (7) – Cake or fire—context determines taste.
Down
  1. 1. (7) – Northern ungulate famous for moonlighting on the 24th.
  2. 2. (9) – One-of-a-kind visitor that rarely stays long.
  3. 3. (8) – Items whose identity is often obscured on purpose.
  4. 4. (4) – Tree type whose aroma sells in candles year-round.
  5. 6. (6) – Festive ring that never needs wheels.
  6. 8. (6) – Holiday décor that tends to shed more than your tree.
  7. 12. (8) – Breakable object you always swear to pack better next year.
  8. 13. (10) – Suspended excuse for awkward proximity.
  9. 15. (8) – Team members known for great stamina and poor GPS.
  10. 17. (4) – Four-letter word heard when silence breaks at midnight.
  11. 18. (8) – Scene in which the central figure has the fewest lines.
  12. 19. (5) – Prickly seasonal greenery—handle gently.