Across

1. The perfect murder weapon, according to at least one riddle.
3. The monarch of another holiday, fascinated by Christmas.
7. Lean, green, and (mostly) mean.
10. An open-topped sled often drawn by horses, but not always…
11. Long, flat, runner-less sled never seen in Florida.
12. In ye olden days, this would mean to put in order.
13. Mountain lion is to Cougar what Abominable Snowman is to this.
14. He’s maple syrup’s #1 fan.
16. Of, or occurring in, Winter.
17. Popular evergreen. Neat!
19. Traditional oil used to light a certain source of illumination found elsewhere in this puzzle.
26. Industrious folk known for their craftsmanship.
27. Spectacularly sticky, sinister substance.
29. Lovable snowman with a death wish.
30. Winter’s shortest day, longest night.
33. Small, traditional 4-sided top.
34. Always nice to add some of this to the world.
35. Baked confection that plays a vital role in maintaining Santa's energy level.
37. Architecturally speaking, a popular place to hang strings of lights.
38. Horned, ancient folkloric figure who handles the naughty list.
39. Gift wrapping staple.
41. A poem of praise or tribute to a specific subject. Beethoven did it pretty well.
45. Oscar-winning actor of It’s a Wonderful Life fame.
46. Feeling of reverential respect mixed with wonder.
47. A spiced holiday drink, traditionally alcoholic and served in a wooden mug (or plastic moose.) It’s good. It’s good!
48. Tinsel, beads, ribbon, or even popcorn.
50. Over 35 million are sold each year in the United States, almost all during the 6 week period leading up to Christmas.
52. Religious folk song or popular hymn.
53. Severe or bare in appearance or outline.
54. A traditional piece of hard candy with a spiced center.
55. Wilhelm Fuchtner commercialized the first of these guardians of the home in 1872.

Down

2. These are traditionally prepared over an open fire.
4. Communal feast occuring on the 6th day of a certain community and culture-centric holiday.
5. Festive plant known for its bright red berries. Handle with care!
6. Point of access and egress for a certain jolly, red-bedecked fellow.
8. Direction rod, maybe.
9. This Chris Columbus helmed film put star Macaulay Culkin on the map.
13. Ball. Log. Tide.
15. Author of landmark fiction, famously known as the creator of a certain repentant miser.
18. Famous celestial Cervidae.
20. "Santa Tell Me" by this artist was released in 2014 and quickly became a contemporary Christmas classic.
21. A dog’s crisp and refreshing exclamation?
22. Period before.
23. Sweet treat that can double as a decoration.
24. Secular holiday celebrated on December 23rd. It's for "the rest of us."
25. The brightest star in the night sky, twice as bright as the next. We aren’t kidding!
28. Old-school substitute used in holiday bakes of yesteryear. NYT regulars will recognize this one.
31. Singer, dancer, actor, and just a guy who wants a White Christmas.
32. Cultural holiday lasting seven days, celebrating community, culture, and history.
36. Wenceslas's job title.
40. La Boheme, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Silent Night.
42. The movie that introduced the world to actor Alan Rickman, long before he played a certain morally conflicted wizard.
43. A candelabrum with nine branches, lit in sequence.
44. Yearn or long for someone.
49. Potato pancake or fritter, fried.
51. You'll need more than a dash of this to help with any icy roads you encounter.