Crossword Genius

Five noodling about with Last Christmas? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

festival

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'christmas?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to time as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'five noodling about with last' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'five' could be 'v' (Roman numeral) and 'v' is found in the answer.
'about' could be 'a' (abbreviation in Chambers) and 'a' is present in the answer.
'last' could be 't' (I've seen this in other clues) and 't' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for festival that I've seen before include "Traditionally time of celebration" , "Lift vase (anag.)" , "Day set aside for celebration" , "Religious feast" , "Celebratory period" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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