Theo has begun the year dog-sitting, while Rob has had a slightly more intrepid time visiting Andalusia with his family. They also reflect on recent events including Trump's threats to Canadian sovereignty and the resignation of Justin Trudeau. Can they also overcome a cleverly constructed juxtapositional crossword?

Drinks in hand, santa hats on heads, Theo and Rob attempt to spread some festive cheer. Rob shares his Christmas single, Theo reflects on a recent carol-based embarrassment, and they make some new year's resolutions (which, characteristically, range from the trivial to the profound). They also attempt to round out the year with a win, in a nail-biting tussle with the Guardian quick crossword setter.

Thanks for your company in 2024 – may your festive seasons be merry and we'll see you on the other side.

Our closing music comes from Spinning Jenny, with their fabulous cover of Sia's 'Santa's Coming for Us'. Watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR9JRMKf0aI

Follow them here:

https://www.instagram.com/spinningjenny4/?hl=en

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Play along with the crossword:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16422

Get in touch:

[email protected]

Rob shares an innovative way to overcome a pre-Christmas turkey shortage, while Theo has watched all 2h40mins of the Wicked movie (part one). Other topics of discussion this week include screen addiction, choose-your-own-adventure novels, and the Apple v Android debate.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17034

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Theo and Rob break their promise to avoid politics by reflecting on the UK's recent debate on assisted dying. But they do manage some lighter musings on subjects including Rob's backyard sauna club. Trickier clues this week include Caveat (13) - can they crack it in time?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17028

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Rob and Theo ruminate on the ups and downs of freelance life, Trudeau's new tax bribe and the growing wealth gap, either side of Guardian quick crossword 17,022. Can they consolidate their lead?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17022

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Theo and Rob oscillate as ever between the bigger and smaller subjects. Examples of the former this week range from the guilt of the left to the current farmers' protests in the UK, while the latter include the merits of tridents and the correct pronunciation of aluminium. All while tackling Guardian quick crossword 17,009.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17009

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Theo and Rob contemplate leaving the platform formally known as Twitter, the merits of leaf blowers, and the cultural implications of Jamie Oliver's botched entry into children's publishing. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword 17,011.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17011

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Theo and Rob come to terms with another sanity-bending election result from the US of A in the only way they know how: by doing a crossword.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17006

Listen to Rob's song:

https://open.spotify.com/track/6t4xPYt4byvFknmpciCjjn?si=O2HPlOnRS7KMs7ULGCE3wA&context=spotify%3Aartist%3A6MKBguyT8gomAofVmDFWY0

Song video:

https://youtu.be/6SJMvSkZUx0

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As another evening of trick or treating rolls around, Theo and Rob discuss the challenges of navigating a young family through the sugar-strewn gauntlet. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword 16,996, which has some appropriately fiendish clues.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16996

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Theo and Rob ruminate over subjects ranging from the Salvation Army and changing of the seasons, to Theo's (in)famous newsreader namesake. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword 16,992 and bid to get ahead in the scores.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16992

Rob's sister Jacky Blisson's wine-centred YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/c/JackyBlisson

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