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