"Under Wraps" December 20, 2024

[Saraplus5]

Am i the only one who got distracted by the elf in myself thinking it was an elf on the shelf????

Nope! I did too! I picked up on the secret "Santa" clue, but couldn't figure out where to take it. I'm going to blame the fact that me, my husband and our 4 kids under 11 are all down and out with the flu.

I just posted an introduction to the "introduce yourself" page - I'm new to the group, but have silently lurked for many years. Thanks to everyone for being a fun community! Merry Christmas to all (and whatever else one might celebrate!)

[MikeMillerwsj]

The contest answer is SURPRISE. As suggested by the Secret Santa reference in the last Across clue, eight clues contain the consecutive letters SANTA (like “What those who are partisan take” at 1-Across). The first letters of the answers to those clues spell the contest answer.

The answer to this one was hiding in plain sight, like the purloined letter, but it was a tricky one for our solvers. We had 574 submissions, below our usual volume. On the other hand, nearly all of them -- an unusually high 92% -- got it right. Other guesses included various phrases with SMILE (8), WONDER (2), PAPERCUT (2) plus GLAD, IMPATIENCE, and EXCITEMENT among others.

Happy holidays to all! And congrats to this week's winner: Garrett Aronin of Acton, Calif.!

[The XWord Rabbit]

An abbreviated report this week.

Unsurprisingly, the key to unlocking Mr. Shenk’s “Under Wraps” puzzle was 71A SANTA. Find the word SANTA buried in 8 clues, make note of the first letter of the answers to those clues and voilà you have it: SURPRISE!

In spite of a healthy number of Muggles who failed to make it to shore, family obligations, home projects and Zoom calls left your Rabbit bereft of any juicy stories to evaluate.

Of course, he can always talk about this … an amazing 14 – 1 record, but no doubt you’re sick of that (and he can’t say he blames you.)

Which leaves us with how to make an ending.

Your Rabbit so wanted to make fun of Hallmark Christmas movies (yes, there are a number of videos on You Tube from which to choose), but he still has a modicum of allegiance to his alma mater). Instead, he’s resorting to an old standby, called to mind by the clue at 68A. It’s his long-standing favorite. Happy holidays, everyone!

[Red Inker]

What the heck did "Under Wraps" have to do with the meta? I spent forever trying to figure out "SARAN" and "CLING" and "PITA" and "SAREE"...

[ky-mike]

Under Wraps can mean hidden. SANTA was hidden in the clues. That is my take on it.