Festive Crossword

Across

3 Seasonal libation for Frankie Valli’s muse. (6)

5 Up front as ever, Rudolph will take it. (3,4)

7 See 10A.

8 All for one and one for all Santas to rein in! (4)

9 Stable mate of the little king? (2)

10/7A Big Christmas hit was this when it rst came out for a so-called mouse! (6,6)

12 How to put away Christmas gifts from the rst as hidden. (5)

14 What enchantment after the three wise kings coming to Christ! (5)

16 Spicy for a baby, maybe, but a glorious gift on that rst Christmas. (5)

20/25A Must be a frightful sight – unseen behind the wheel – on a winter’s night? (5,3)

21 Upon many an indoor mat it’s spun, especially this season… though Jesus, Mary and Joseph got none! (7)

24 Sound men – they have the right notes to reveal themselves as such. (6)

25 See 20A.

26 One of little assistance to Santa? (3)

27 A silent shaking on a Christmas tree. (6)

Down

1/2D Dickens of a time , wasn’t it, for Scrooge to go through? (9,4)

2 See 1D.

3 Listen in turn for the night unvoiced before the song of the season is hushed …(6)

4 …where Christianity was scourged, only there to resurge with more to purge? (4)

6 God of love earlier rose out of Greek myth. (4)

11 First man to convert to Islam after Muhammad… on boxing day? (3)

12 It might be endlessly busy up, but, in short, is made to go down! (3)

13 Guiding light on Holy Night. (4)

15 Pull one at Christmas, just for the joke that’s in it! (7)

17 Log it for festive time. (4)

18 Son of Noah? Turkey goes along with that! (3)

19 We’re coming round for a jar! (4)

20 First bestseller to narrate the Nativity… (5)

22 … in reserve for wintertime, perhaps… (2,3)

23 …some believe rightfully it’s for eternity. (4)