The term 'HOLIDAY MISSIVE' can be broken down into two words: 'HOLIDAY' and 'MISSIVE'. The first word, 'HOLIDAY', is defined as a day of celebration or rest, while the second word, 'MISSIVE', is defined as a written message. Therefore, the crossword solution for the term 'HOLIDAY MISSIVE' is 'POSTCARD', which is an 8-letter word. A postcard is a type of written message that is typically sent during holidays or special occasions. It is usually decorated with a picture or design on one side and contains a brief message on the other side.