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...the tip before your last one did the trick.

Google is your friend, drxx. You should see one likely word, which you will know as a name in another context. Google with the link between the names and a stab at the seasonal theme, and you should find joy

Please have previous post deleted if it’s deemed too helpful

...haven't heard that before today (trying hard to forget it now}.

I don't think that's giving too much away, dodgepot (and thanks anyway).

All done, excellent puzzle.

I'm way behind you superstars. I have about 10 answers, with 4 of them tentatively inserted.

Tips please for 2ac and 1d

Thanks

2a is an anagram minus...
1d - the last four words of the clue reversed in that order - (4 letters, 3 letters + a 2 letter abbrev).

Could someone please give me a nudge for my final (Meryl) answer, 9d. The two jumbled names are completely baffling me at the moment, even though I have 23 of the 24 letters. Not started yet on my pet hate of grid staring.

I think 'Authoritarian' is a mild term for this particular right winger.