Crossword Genius

Handyman who holds forth at Xmas time? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

decorator

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

'handyman' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'holds forth at xmas time?' is the wordplay.
'holds forth' becomes 'orator' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'at' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'xmas time?' becomes 'dec' (I've seen this in another clue).
'orator' put after 'dec' is 'DECORATOR'.

'who' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for decorator that I've seen before include "chap giving medals?" , "House painter" , "Painter, wallpaper hanger" , "Worker embellishing a property" , "Artisan" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent and The Sun.
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