Independent Cryptic #11608

2023-12-25

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Across

1a

Histrionic tot an hour after midnight how Christmas starts (8)

6a

Devil similar to horned creature (6)

9a

Cheeky Girls number in medleys (6)

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10a

Another business function fed by sandwich shop (8)

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11a

Fail seeing Santa's reindeer? Hang out nuts (12)

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13a

Nice to hear incantation revived by Spooner (10)

15a

Children get penny that's in the middle of pudding (4)

16a

Extra food called for to be made fast (4)

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18a

Store has brown jumper in large and medium (10)

21a

Might one be upset in red with Villa up? (12)

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24a

Before present given test about shepherds (8)

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25a

Reflecting Hamlet perhaps term for that? (6)

26a

Rich do deal that's dodgy (6)

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27a

Women in pews perhaps trying to maintain body temperature (8)

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Down

2d

Animal Dürer imagined might make you richer soon (10)

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3d

Magnetic fellow giving maiden a kiss skilfully (7)

4d

Key to clothes shop (5)

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5d

Russian leaves something for Santa to fill (7)

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6d

Popular gambling game keeps general in poverty (9)

7d

Gentle exercise starts to add tone stretching a lot (7)

8d

Pine trunk that's been felled cut by Norway (4)

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12d

Gong showing time for Christmas speech (10)

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14d

Friend greeting friends regularly had a natter (9)

17d

King at head of very happy family (7)

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19d

Rolling Stones blare out in M&S (7)

20d

Robin perhaps alert in shot (7)

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22d

Loose woman in the family taking top off (5)

23d

Hitch a loop to secure light at the top of the Christmas tree (4)

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