The seasonal theme words, A and B, each have three sets of unclued variations, derived in a consistent way, indicated by 1, 2 and 3.  One of the ‘3’ variations has two otherwise valid alternatives.  The puzzle title provides the total for the first three characters in the same format to confirm the alternative that solvers must use.

Across 1 Shoot old guns up in the air in attacks (7) 6 In Hythe is there some kind of hold-up? (5) 10 Variation B1 (6) 13 Variation A2 (4) 15 Heater deployed in Vietnam? (4) 16 Wimpy uncovered law that is involved (6) 17 Variation B3 (7) 18 The left side vote to pass public opinion (6, two words) 20 Independent piece no longer current and not following African state capital (6) 21 Annual return belonging to me is a great number (4) 23 Passing interest, by the end of day, is wearing off (4) 27 Earl is embarrassed having to put down a deposit locally, perhaps (4) 28 Left-handed spiral bends and twists (4) 29 Variation B2 (6) 30 Variation A2 (6) 33 More polite person collared by lookout (7) 36 Variation A3 (6) 37 One involved in past monetary deviation … (4) 38 … that which symbolises debased coin (4) 39 City-state crest acceptable to Commonwealth Office (6) 40 Commercial endorses resurgent Czech auto (5) 41 Variation B1 (7)

Down 1 Variation A2 (4) 2 Heavenly bodies faced Eros with a change of heart (7) 3 Variation B2 (5) 4 Tropical medicine half taken up in work (5) 5 American beauty spots comprising fine views? On the contrary (4) 6 Variation A3 (6) 7 Empress taking on spade work? (6) 8 Appearing regularly in Sotheby’s, this might be expensive for Ian (4) 9 Occupants of Austin, perhaps, there tool up in large numbers (6) 11 Chap’s apparently, instead of university, having plenty of breaks  (5) 12 Variation B3 (7) 14 Complete order only on British territory once (6) 19 Word that’s misleading wedding supporter of poet leaving pub (7) 22 With respect to mathematical quantity that’s mostly obtuse in low setting (6) 24 Freezing slush currently occupying chauffeur (7) 25 More than one soup consumed in Polish Chisza? (6) 26 Jog and tear over half a mile (6) 27 Variation B2 (6) 28 Head villager, one locally holding father in pursuit of impedance (5) 31 Element of fleet taking on bid (5) 32 Ass’s plate? (5) 33 Variation A1 (4) 34 Girl representing Mike for signallers? (4) 35 Variation A1 (4)

To enter this competition, send your entry as an image or in list format  to ccpuzzles@talktalk.net before 8th January 2020. The first correct entry drawn from the hat will receive a book from the Chambers range, which has been donated by Chambers.