Explanation: Five silly themers are missing the letter "Y," alluding to the phrase WHY NOT, a question also synonymous with the title of the meta. The grid contains every letter but "Y" - and no "Y" appears in the clues either! Note the clue for KNOT giving a nudge toward NOT also. In addition, the meta is in honor of the 25th letter for 2025. May you have a great start to your new year!
Nice!! Loved 16 across and all the usual punny goodness. Especially IAMB the walrus. But based on the way I feel after the holidays, I thought the answer was going to be ONE TON :D Thanks Mikey!
Fun, and a nice easy trip to the Y! Actually I was wondering how you might make it three word to answer the prompt "What you say when everyone seems to be getting the meta answer with ease" and have clues that generated the answers DOUGH and RAY (as well as your Y's) so it could be "WHY NOT ME?" which 80% of the time answers that particular meta prompt.