Local Quiz With The Theme "seasonal Christmas"

[Maxymax464]

Just one clue short in this cryptic quiz,the theme being Seasonal Christmas. "Nine comes next - how sweet (6)" Many thanks.

[dannyk13]

Nine is singular equate in the clue, and eights on its own does not equate with Christmas.IMO

[fiction-factory]

Yes, but we always refer to the mints as After Eights ("do you want some after eights?").
I can see a weak case for irises to ( I rises) but I'm not convinced at all

[donny48]

After Eight Mint Chocolate Thins, often referred to as simply After Eights, are a confectionery product that are intended to be used as after-dinner mints.
That would allow eights to be used.

[dannyk13]

Exactly FF, after eights.

[fiction-factory]

Agreed danny- but these setters are sometimes just volunteers rather than an Araucaria

[Maxymax464]

Sadly I remain to be convinced because of a) nine not nines is in the clue.b) although you can have after eight mints at Christmas they are not exclusive to Christmas which the other 49 answers are!

[pixie374]

Could it be anything to do with rhyming slang? Seems to be coal for nine...

[dannyk13]

I agree Max.I hpoe you will reveal the answer once it has been published.

[dannyk13]

OP has given star for 9.

[pixie374]

Sorry- i meant "coal" is rhyming slang for "nine". If that helps in any way. Lol

[Maxymax464]

The birthday girl Mamyalynne is usually the fountain of all knowledge for me! Any ideas - are you as sceptical about eights as I am?

[pixie374]

I can't think of any convincing answer. Will be interested to see what it turns out to be (if I remember)

[Maxymax464]

Long time to wait for the answer - Jan 7th!

[pixie374]

Is star definitely correct?

[Mamyalynne]

I am no brighter a star regarding quiz answers as anyone else Maxy and I am certainly less likely to give out answers but may give a clue if I see anything.

I'm not convinced by 'eights' or 'Irises' so far - am sure 'Star' could be relevant but not seeing it.

Thinking caps still on.

[fiction-factory]

Please can you remind us of the clue that have Star

[fiction-factory]

^..GAVE "star"

[Maxymax464]

The clue for star is "rodents come back to be wisely followed" so that is definitely right!

[fiction-factory]

Star looks good!

[Maxymax464]

Still struggling with this last clue - anybody had any more ideas since last week? For newbies the clue is "Nine comes next - how sweet (6)"
The theme is Seasonal Christmas. Many thanks.