Devil with tail up is annual visitor (5)

I believe the answer is:

santa

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'annual visitor' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for santa that I've seen before include "-- Barbara" , "Children's name for Mr Claus" , "Saint Nicholas" , "A children's favourite may" , "patron at Christmas" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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