EV 998 Nativity by Oxymoron

[DocHH]

Hello EVers,
I didn't like alll the cold solving involved with this EV, especially given the extra letters or words! Then to find there is actually a dilemma around one of the entries needed to complete the grid, depending on your diary!
No doubt Devadolly would have taken one look at the compilers name and gone apaoplectic, even without the farming and seasonal demands placed on her!
Seasons Greetings from here on the South Coast to all the EVers who have made the past year enjoyable with posts on the EV threads. We are looking forward to strolling along the seafront, listening to the band at the bandstand on Xmas Day, repeated on Boxing Day, but watching the brave souls go for a swim to raise money for charity!
Time for a preprandial whisky!

[DocHH]

^apoplectic!

[dr b]

Hi Doc,

I found this one a lot of fun, maybe because I correctly guessed which entries were normal and which were altered early on. I got the three hints in this order: third, first, second, so it took a while for all the pennies to drop, as the third hint had me thinking in an obvious direction. I did not see any ambiguities in the final grid, though.

Season's greetings to you and the N&Cers!!

[devadolly]

Seasons greetings to all, what are we going to do next week? I just don't like on-line crozzies, doesn't seem right, but then, I am a dyed in the wool Luddite! I haven't had a chance to do more than look at the compiler (and as DocHH so rightly assumes, groaned and clutched my head) I have read the preamble and I assumed theat all the clues had to be altered..............oh dear!
First beastie been dealt with and am currently left with a few joints and nothing else, now have to sort out the Turkeys.
Have to say it has been a pleasure to N & C with all the EVers over the past year, and I am as ever, totally in awe of all you super swift solvers, it must be something in the scientific psyche that makes you so sharp, as a poor old literary arts person, I just can't keep up.....
Time to go and mix a brew of St Lucian Rum Punch I think.

PS Will peep at the dreaded Mr O tomorrow so please keep the (bound to be needed) Hob-nailed hints at the ready.

[kayakamina]

A bit late starting this EV and possibly my last one for a few weeks.
I don't think there is one this coming Sunday, and early in the New Year I am travelling to visit a daughter and the christening of my latest grandson.

I will be toasting him with the first quote from the crossword!

Happy Christmas all.

[Spreadman]

Hello everyone. I have been following the thread for some time now as I am an avid EV fan. I don't always manage to complete the grid but your hints have often helped me. I have been impressed by the friendliness of all the subscribers to the thread and would like to join in. Hopefully I will be able to contribute something useful.

[devadolly]

Welcome indeed Spreadman, do join in with the madhouse!
As to my efforts with 'He who shall not be named', not going well, have a number of clues answered but all too far spaced to make any sense and I am losing heart fast as cannot get a grip on what is wanted. Have tried exotic presents, livestock personnel nand even places. What with this mind-block and the thought of no EV this Sunday am distincly down-pin...........Help!

[Spreadman]

Thanks for the welcome devadolly. I'm much the same as you with the grid. Trouble is, everytime I get a chance to sit down and study it, something " that must be done for Christmas" crops up. Got some answers, but I think there might be entries which need extra letters. Not 100% certain on that yet.

[DocHH]

Hello Spreadman, I'll reiterate Devadolly's welcome to the madhouse! It's a shame you were lurking rather than participating.
If you both start entering across answers then look at intersecting down answers it will become obvious where, as you correctly assumed Spreadman, extra letters are entered.
Kayakamina gave two hints, one that the extra letters in the first of the items of thematic information is a quotation, and what he will be doing while saying the quotation when he drinks a toast to his latest grandson. The second item is also a quote, and the third is something the two responsible for the quotes have in common. However that is only true if you do not apply New Style dating!
I'll admit when I saw 3 thematic items mentioned in the rubric I immediately thought of what were originally given!
Congratulations Kayakamina on the new addition to your family!

[Spreadman]

Many thanks for your welcome DocHH. I understand what you mean about what was originally given, I was thinking the same considering the title. Or at least, something on the lines of last years seasonal puzzle. I shall continue to ponder.

[novalis]

Due to a myriad of circumstance beyond my control I didn't even get a copy of this but from the comments it sounds "fun". I've managed in between various other activities ( including work!! ) to complete the Christmas Speccie and work out what goes below the grids. I still can't see the thematic word to be highlighted in each grid. Any pointers would be appreciated. I'll just wish all EVers and families the sort of Christmas that you would wish for yourselves and finish with the hope that the best of 2011 is the worst of 2012 for you all.

[dr b]

Novalis, the thematic words are not in contiguous cells. They are likely the most famous characters of the thematic author.

[devadolly]

Good evening, just cannot get anywhere with this, no idea at all so will just reiterate Novalis's seasonal wishes and hope that we are all around to N & C with a vengence in 2012. If anyone feels like taking pity on this blockhead re help it would be most welcome. Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

[novalis]

Many thanks for your help Dr. B. As always with a word search I couldn't see the wood for the trees.

[kayakamina]

Hi devadolly.
You've probably realised by now that rows 4 & 9 are blank until the endgame.
I hope it's not giving away too much to say that the first quotation runs from 1 to 33, the second from 40 - 16 and the common denominator from 17 - 39.

To DocHH
Thanks very much for your good wishes.

[DocHH]

That's a pleasure Kayakamina, they are our future! I have to say that those 2 rows shouted to me! I don't think you've given more than a festive hint! I'm glad my birthday wasn't that day of the year!
Seasons Greetings to all EVers!