There were a few answers which I could not understand. I'd appreciate elucidation if anyone can offer it:
20d Slight progress - bird all gone by Boxing Day commemoration (4)
The given answer is 'step'
24a Excuse a little colour without energy, maybe, on box (8)
The given answer is 'pleating'.
I can see "a ting" which could come from "a ting(e)" to give a little colour and I think that I've heard of Box Pleats but where is the 'excuse'?