Crossword Genius

Bond after the first Christmas present (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adhere

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'bond' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'after the first christmas present' is the wordplay.
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'the first christmas' becomes 'ad' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'present' becomes 'here' (both can mean in attendance).
'ad' next to 'here' is 'ADHERE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adhere that I've seen before include "Stick fast (to something)" , "Stick to as by suction" , "Bond" , "'Stick to, a play say (6)'" , "Keep" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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