Festive tales both touching and chilling in our cryptic picks
Around this time of year, crossword setters furnish us not just with puzzles but also with seasonal references and even, through allusion and reference, a festive playlist.
10d Peaklocation for office documents? (5)
[ synonym for ‘peak’ and item of stationery ]
19d Common name displayed by individuals supporting Japan (5)
[ abbreviation for ‘Japan’ on top of synonym for ‘individuals’ ]
3ac/8d/20ac 10 19’s timely tale of nipper and nippers (3,1,4,3,9,2,2,3,5,5)
8d Speaker I lovethat’s set to music (8)
[ synonym for ‘speaker’ + I + O ]
18,10,12ac Most elite ensemble in a particular branch to produce a Christmas ballad (3,9,5)
[ anagram of ‘most elite’ inside a definite article and a synonym for ‘bough’ ]
The author of many verses, including I’d Be A Butterfly and She Wore A Wreath of Roses which have been the subject of some ridicule. He also wrote at great speed many pieces for [the stage].
24ac De janvier, peut-être, la fille devient jeune dame (10)
[ DE + what ‘janvier’ is an example of + word for ‘she’ ]
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