Cryptic crossword No 1,531

Greetings and best wishes to all for the year to come! I apologise to MyCrossword devotees for having deserted this site for so long - nearly a year. But here I am once again, and I've finally come up with something I hope you'll enjoy.

Thanks for a fun puzzle Laccaria, and nice to see you back! Lots to like, particularly 11a (tenacious but works for me), 18a (creative WP), 19a (nice def, evocatively worked into the surface), 24a (nice), 1d (good fun), 14d (clean) and 24d (neat and smooth). Some tricky ones in there but a most satisfying solve

Thanks sirdakka. I hope everyone who tackled this one enjoyed the mini-theme with its seasonal connection (spoiler below). I feel that 2023 has been a rather solemn year in crosswordland, with times for reflection: we've lost Roger Squires (Rufus), Margaret Irvine (Nutmeg), Mike Holmans (Alchemi), Dave Morton (Big Dave), Geoff Moss (Gaufrid of 225) amongst others, during the year. Hope 2024 will be a happier one. Have a good one everyone!

Thanks Laccaria - for a fun solve, and for pointing out the mini-theme which I'd completely missed 🤣 Favourites 11a, 18a, 19a, 24a, 1d, 8d & 24d.

A bit slow in catching up on all the offerings over the festive period but enjoyed doing this last night. Took me a long time to crack your long one. Beaten by a few at the end - either GK (7d and 10a) or not on your wavelength (5d, 11a, 17d). Favourites included 22a, 1d (joint-COTD), 3d, 16d and 24d (joint-COTD). Thanks. PM

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