“Letter of Mystery” by HEX in WSJ, 02/11/23

[ChrisKochmanski]

More variety cryptic fun from HEX, seasonal in theme.

It must be a fairly easy one because I was able to complete it while slipping in and out of a late afternoon nap.

[Richard B.]

Agree with Chris (although no nap involved)

is “awfully” needed (or appropriate) in 2D? [spoiler/]

[ellgee]

Easy grid to fill, even the unclued entries, but I'm still not sure I get all of the instructions. The line about 19A is cute (and itself a mechanism that appears often in UK cryptics), but is there more to the rest of it than I'm seeing? Or is it just a general seasonal theme like a regular crossword might have, without anything more complicated?

[Barney]

Everything atm except 17D, 23A, 27A

Close enough for government work!

More doable than the last three from C&R

[technohumanistteach]

I have every reason to think knowing HEX that solving the grid is the first step in cracking the "Letter of Mystery" I'd love it if someone could at least let us know whether the unclued entries once filled in, plus the idea that X signifies 24A all lead to a puzzle solution out there to be figured out.

[oldjudge]

Fun and easy solve.

[oldjudge]

Agree with Chris (although no nap involved)

is “awfully” needed (or appropriate) in 2D? [spoiler/]

Not needed

[iggystan]

Fun one to solve, but it lacked a little zing, IMHO. Still an enjoyable diversion.

[KayW]

Fun one from HEX