The December 26 episode of Days of Our Lives unfolded like a carefully wrapped holiday gift—beautiful on the outside, emotionally devastating at its core. Set against the glow of Christmas Eve in Salem,

the long-running NBC soap delivered a sweeping, character-driven hour that reminded viewers why this series has endured for generations. Snow-dusted streets, twinkling lights,

and familiar homes provided the festive backdrop, but it was the deeply human stories of forgiveness, family, and love that truly defined the episode.

As Salem leaned into the spirit of the season, old wounds resurfaced, long-absent loved ones returned, and fragile new romances took tentative steps forward. The result was an episode that balanced warmth and heartbreak with remarkable precision.

Xander’s Redemption at the Kiriakis Mansion

One of the most emotionally resonant storylines unfolded at the Kiriakis mansion, where Xander Cook stepped into the spotlight in a moment of raw vulnerability. Still reeling from the complicated legacy of his late father, Victor Kiriakis, Xander confronted the damage—both literal and emotional—that had defined their relationship.

Earlier in the season, Xander’s rage had culminated in the destruction of Victor’s portrait, a symbolic act reflecting years of resentment, manipulation, and unmet longing for approval. On Christmas Eve, however, Xander quietly reversed that act. He unveiled a meticulously restored portrait and rehung it in its place, transforming an emblem of anger into one of reconciliation.

Maggie Horton Kiriakis, Victor’s widow and the emotional heart of the family, was visibly shaken. Her composure faltered as grief resurfaced, and she admitted how deeply she still felt Victor’s absence. For Maggie, the holidays only magnified the loneliness left behind by the man she loved—flawed, formidable, and unforgettable.

In a rare confession, Xander admitted that he missed Victor too—far more than he ever expected. The moment marked a turning point for the often-guarded antihero, exposing the wounded son beneath the bravado. Maggie’s reassurance—that Victor loved Xander in his own complicated way—offered something Xander had sought his entire life: validation.

Their embrace was more than sentimental; it was transformative. It signaled the beginning of healing for a family long fractured by power, pride, and pain.

Horton House: Tradition, Healing, and Homecoming

Across town, Horton House once again proved why it remains the emotional epicenter of Salem. Julie Williams, ever the elegant matriarch, hosted a slightly delayed—but no less meaningful—Christmas tree decorating gathering. The familiar walls echoed with laughter, memories, and the weight of history as the Horton family came together after months of turmoil.

The mood shifted dramatically with the arrival of Chad DiMera, recently rescued after being kidnapped and held captive in a terrifying ordeal. His return was nothing short of miraculous—and deeply emotional.

Chad’s reunion with his children, Thomas and Charlotte, delivered one of the episode’s most powerful sequences. Charlotte rushed into her father’s arms with unfiltered joy, while Thomas, older and more guarded, struggled through a storm of conflicting emotions. When Chad knelt to their level and vowed never to leave them again, the promise carried the weight of survival and regret.

Thomas, displaying maturity far beyond his years, admitted how painful Chad’s absence had been—but expressed a willingness to move forward. That moment of forgiveness hinted at future storylines, where Thomas’s emotional intelligence may shape his own complex path in Salem.

The scene reached a poignant crescendo when Thomas led the family in a rendition of “Silent Night.” As voices joined together beneath the glow of the Christmas tree, the carol became a metaphor for peace hard-won after chaos. For the Hortons, it wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration of resilience.

Romance in the Salem Town Square

While families healed, romance blossomed under the stars in Salem’s town square. Sarah Horton and Brady Black—two characters with long, complicated romantic histories—shared a tender Christmas moment that crackled with chemistry.

Surrounded by festive lights and falling snow, the pair exchanged gifts and laughter before emotion overtook restraint. Their kiss was warm, lingering, and filled with possibility—a rare moment of uncomplicated joy in a town known for tearing lovers apart.

Yet, as always in Salem, questions linger. Is this the beginning of something lasting, or merely a calm before the next storm? Their connection, rooted in shared pain and hope, added a romantic spark that perfectly complemented the episode’s heavier emotional arcs.

A Holiday Episode That Captured the Soul of Salem

What made this December 26 episode so impactful was not just its individual moments, but the thematic cohesion tying them together. Redemption was embodied in Xander’s quiet act of restoration. Family resilience shone through the Hortons’ unwavering bond. Love—tentative, enduring, and passionate—found expression in both reunions and new beginnings.

The episode understood something essential about Days of Our Lives: the holidays aren’t just decorative backdrops. They are emotional amplifiers. They force characters to confront loss, seek forgiveness, and choose connection over isolation.

As Salem glowed with Christmas cheer, the shadows of the past didn’t disappear—but they softened. For one night, healing felt possible.

With storylines continuing to interweave and consequences still looming, this festive episode served as both a pause and a promise. The drama is far from over—but if this holiday chapter proved anything, it’s that even in the most chaotic lives, hope still finds a way home.