Had been to take boat trip for Christmas cheer (7)
I believe the answer is:
wassail
'trip for christmas cheer' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'had been to take boat' is the wordplay.
'had been' becomes 'was' (I've seen this in another clue).
'to take boat' becomes 'sail'.
'was'+'sail'='WASSAIL'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for wassail that I've seen before include "Lively festivities; spiced ale" , "festive drink" , "Carouse" , "punch" , "celebration" .)