Puzzle 8

North Caucasus republic in south-western Russia

__ Santas, spied scaling ladders on a house front

Thicker than florentine, chewy Italian dessert

Circus performers who keep balls in the air

The nose's job

Tense, not easy

2016 Literature winner and folk singer

Played Sara Sidle in original CSI

__ Planet, film inspired by a book about an island

Spikes affixed to mountaineering boots

Colorful avian embodiment of Christmas on a card

Sound of social kissing, especially among luvvies

MEP, Member of the __ Parliament

Typical weather conditions after the summer

This aspect of your blood rises and falls

It allows gas, oil and water to be transported

Composer of "The Golden Cockerel", Rimsky-__