Across
- 3. – Classic “bah humbug” character
- 4. – Small pieces scattered in celebration
- 7. – Begrudging sort, unimpressed by celebrations
- 9. – Anniversary or age symbol, valued at 60
- 12. – Centrepiece of many birthday tables
- 13. – They multiply with age on a cake
- 14. – Name of a king and a martyr
- 15. – What hides a gift until opened
- 18. – Content rather than ecstatic
- 19. – Day that comes around again each year
- 20. – Game where promotion and relegation matter
- 23. – Word meaning “against”, often shortened
- 24. – Something given before cutting the cake
- 29. – Those who arrive bearing gifts
- 31. – Country associated with kangaroos and the Outback
- 33. – Famous guitar-makers, informally
- 35. – Space cleared once the music starts
- 36. – Gift received on a birthday
- 37. – Request to attend a party
- 38. – Time just before Christmas or the first woman
- 39. – Party kept secret until the door opens
- 40. – Raise glasses for this
- 41. – Toast heard at celebrations
Down
- 1. – Person who says “bah humbug” to festivities
- 2. – Sport whose courses have 18 holes
- 4. – Birthday greeting, often signed by many
- 5. – Male name meaning “supplanter”
- 6. – Midlands town with a boot-making past
- 8. – Significant birthday marker
- 10. – Surname of an Irish political campaigner
- 11. – Name shared by a plant and a film actress
- 14. – Milestone age, often celebrated in style
- 16. – Party decorations filled with air
- 17. – Stockport side, or people driven mad
- 21. – Sound that fills a good party
- 22. – What remains after the party ends
- 25. – Music chosen for a celebration
- 26. – Bootmakers — or something that isn’t true
- 27. – Girl’s name meaning lovable
- 28. – Home improvement without outside help
- 30. – City known for a famous opera house
- 32. – Greater Manchester town once famed for hat-making
- 34. – One who begrudges spending, even on a birthday