Did you solve it?

WE present the answers to the big Christmas crossword (December 12/19, 2018): ACROSS: 9, Illustrious; 10, Facetious; 12, Schlep; 13, Incidence; 15, Tape; 16, Amethysts; 18, Malingering; 19, Brighter; 20, Elevens; 21, Cues; 22, Antiperspirants; 24, Lass; 25, Trio; 27, Father Christmas; 30, Daze; 31, Utensil; 33, Old timer; 34, Confutation; 36, Amplitude; 38, Mace; 39, Admission; 40, Bumper; 42, Black eyes; 43, Water cannon. DOWN: 1, Black Maria; 2, Cull; 3, Step-by-step; 4, Misinterpret; 5, Punch; 6, Jaundice; 7, Sitter; 8, Suspenders; 11, Energises; 14, Diametrical; 17, Tightrope; 20, Expressions; 21, Columnist; 23, Narrow-minded; 26, Reasonably; 27, Fruit cake; 28, Saddleback; 29, Speed demon; 32, Entombed; 35, Fleece; 37, Vicar; 41, Mint. The winner will appear on the Crossword page in the January 9 number.