Christmas book, middle torn out (4)

I believe the answer is:

noel

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This clue might be a double definition.

'christmas' is the first definition.
(Noel can mean Christmas)

'book middle torn out' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for noel that I've seen before include "Sir - - Coward" , "Girl - boy - Christmas" , "Christmastime" , "Lone male name" , "Christmas carol" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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