Explanation: The theme of these
Cookie Cutter crosswords is CHRISTMAS (as referenced in the clues for
12A12ADay before (the theme, for example)
[---] ,
16A16AYear before the first theme event
[-----] ,
20A20AThose sharing a name with Ms Carey, whose thematic song you've probably heard recently
[-------] ,
26A26ASense of wonder one might experience when looking at a giant version of the grid shape
[---] , and
31A31A_____ année (words spoken by a Parisian soon after the theme event)
[-----] ). The letters of CHRISTMAS in the grid reveal a Christmas tree.