Solution to Evan Birnholz’s Dec. 20 Post Magazine crossword, “Santa’s Little Helper”

I was surprised I was able to find enough words and phrases to hide ELF in different contexts. I recall that it was a challenge to avoid repeating SELF in some way. In fact, I think 118A was originally going to be REDEEM YOURS(ELF) until I realized I already had KEEP THAT TO YOURS(ELF).

Now, a few words of warning about next week’s puzzle. It’s large (23×23 squares), it has a metapuzzle, and figuring out the meta answer might take some patience. It’s one of the most complex puzzles I’ve ever written — not necessarily because the grid itself is the most difficult to solve, but … well, I won’t say more than that, except that if you can stick with it and get to the final answer, I think you will enjoy it. Good luck and happy holidays!