This crossword No. 24888 clues and answers were published on Mon 21 Dec 2009 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 24888 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – About 100 mince pies are made from these : RECIPES
5-across – Such chairs are never sufficient for a party game : MUSICAL
9-across – Brush up for Santa’s entrance : SWEEP
10-across – All excited, sit with Santa’s helper : ASSISTANT
11-across – With respect, 10 go crazy in wild revelry : REVERENTLY
12-across – Character dragged up at this time of the year? : DAME
14-across – Stocking-up time : CHRISTMASEVE
18-across – Get very excited, as Santa will do on 14? : GOUPINTHEAIR
21-across – He may play a part in panto, great in size : OGRE
22-across – One monster bird followed by a second : COCKATRICE
25-across – Altogether making a toast to those present after Christmas dinner? : TOTHEFULL
26-across – By start of evening a Christmas tree may be lit up : AFIRE
27-across – Depressed kid goes to Aladdin’s magic place : CONCAVE
28-across – Despatches, say, transport in winter : SLEIGHS
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Place to ski may be busy or in repose : RESORT
2-down – Be united at the start of Christmas break : CLEAVE
3-down – Party decoration desired by would-be press baron? : PAPERCHAIN
4-down – One stuffing the bird for one’s lover : SWAIN
5-down – A Christmas hangover suffered by the host : MISTLETOE
6-down – Decoration son put on the tree : SASH
7-down – Party games in which actions speak louder than words : CHARADES
8-down – Switched on new tree, finally decorated — having made a bit of a mess : LITTERED
13-down – He tries to give the Three Wise Men free treats : MAGISTRATE
15-down – Bring in present : INTRODUCE
16-down – Christmas carol coming up in a moment? One doubts : AGNOSTIC
17-down – Cooking technique gets gold rating, perhaps : AUGRATIN
19-down – Yielding to pressure and handing over the present : GIVING
20-down – Festivities involve five in lively dances : REVELS
23-down – Finishes off the game : KILLS
24-down – Sprouts and peas, say, given a star : VEGA
This crossword has in total 30 where 14 are across and 16 are down.