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For over 50 yrs I have looked forward to the Christmas Crosswords in the Guardian and this looks like a real belter! The format and grid are different - what fun!
I've not got very far yet but am expecting to finish it over the Christmas period ( with thanks to the blog) and perhaps some family input.
Sending you all best wishes for Christmas and thankyou for your help over the past year which has helped me to finish crosswords which otherwise I might have not done so.

What fresh hell is this no no no no

Just rang the BELLS. I like this more and more!

Thanks to this forum I have completed and greatly enjoyed this puzzle. Maskarade is very clever with the themes and this was no exception - I agree that the bells was very clever indeed. I do however feel that the peripheral clues are sometimes weak. 6across was poor and I was in a right mess on the bottom section. Remember Jacob's xxxxx crackers? This was my solution for 22 and I could not crack 82a (a very weak clue) until I'd seen the above discussion. Am I just being a traditional Christmas grump? I suspect that Maskarade my lose a little interest having presented the big picture.

Seasons greetings, one and all.
Well, I’m struggling with this. I have ~16 of the regular clues and just 4 of the special ones (the more obvious four for Father Christmas).
I’ll check through the day for any more hints. I expect you’d sail through it, Brendan.
Enjoy today however you each do.
All the best from South Devon.
Barry

Finished except for 7d, 21d and 26a, all of which seem as if they should be obvious.

Is there a clue for 2 down? Can't find it. Noddy

flame - 7, think criminals; 21 - where are cantons?; 26 - middle of a word for chorister gives you an author.

niddy - it's a game ...

Thank you Prospero. Am kicking myself! Happy Christmas to all.