Christmas in Salem has never been a quiet affair, but the week of December 22, 2025, is shaping up to be one of the most explosive holiday periods Days of Our Lives has delivered in years.

As ornaments go up and stockings are hung, jaws across the fanbase are set to drop. NBC’s long-running soap is rolling out an unprecedented wave of returns—legacy icons, beloved couples,

and dangerous wild cards—all converging at once. The result is a perfect storm of nostalgia, high-stakes drama, and storylines that could reshape Salem well into the new year.

This is not just another holiday sweep. This feels like a statement. A reminder of why Days of Our Lives has thrived for six decades.

The Gold Standard Returns: Eli and Lani Come Home

The headline return of the week belongs to Eli Grant and Lani Price Grant, portrayed by Lamon Archey and Sal Stowers. The fan-favorite supercouple makes their long-awaited comeback on Wednesday, December 24—Christmas Eve, no less. The timing is no accident.

Eli and Lani represent stability, integrity, and emotional grounding—qualities Salem has been sorely lacking amid chaos, corruption, and DiMera power struggles. Their presence immediately fills two voids: one in the Salem Police Department and another at the emotional core of the show. Every time they leave, viewers feel it. Every time they return, Salem feels whole again.

While the official reason for their visit may be the holidays and Horton family traditions, few believe that is the full story. With the DiMera crypt mystery escalating and secrets threatening to tear the town apart, Salem desperately needs someone with Eli’s moral compass and tactical intelligence. If anyone is capable of cutting through deception and corruption, it’s him.

Lani’s role may be just as vital. Her emotional intelligence and fierce loyalty position her as the glue holding Abe and Paulina together during a turbulent time. She brings warmth, compassion, and strength—qualities that are especially needed during a Christmas marked by grief and uncertainty.

The bigger question lingering over their return: is this truly a short holiday visit, or is the show testing the waters for something more permanent? Fan investment in “Elani” remains incredibly strong, and many are hoping this marks the beginning of a longer arc—perhaps even a major investigation that pits Eli directly against EJ DiMera. The idea of Eli challenging EJ over whatever is hidden in that crypt is already electrifying viewers.

Legacy Royalty: Jack and Jennifer Deveraux Are Back

If Eli and Lani bring heart, Jack and Jennifer Deveraux bring history.

Arriving on Friday, December 26, Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves step back into their iconic roles, instantly elevating the emotional weight of the week. Few couples in soap history have the longevity, chemistry, and legacy of Jack and Jennifer, and their return always feels momentous—even if fans fear it may be brief.

This time, however, the timing feels different.

Their return coincides with increased screen time for their grandchildren, Thomas and Charlotte DiMera. Seeing Jack and Jennifer with Abigail’s children is guaranteed to be both heartbreaking and hopeful. It is a stark reminder of the devastating losses the family has endured—but also a testament to resilience and continuity.

Jennifer has long served as Salem’s moral compass, a steady presence amid chaos. With DiMera intrigue spiraling out of control, her voice of reason may be more important than ever. Jack, on the other hand, raises red flags. His curiosity has always been both his greatest strength and his most dangerous flaw. If he begins digging into DiMera secrets—especially on Chad’s behalf—he could quickly find himself in peril.

There is already speculation that Jack’s return could reignite his journalistic instincts. A scene between Jack and Chad could plant the seeds for something bigger. Could Jack consider staying longer? Could The Spectator rise again as a force in Salem? For longtime fans, that possibility alone feels like a dream.

Horton Chaos: Lucas Returns for Christmas

No Horton Christmas is complete without Lucas Horton, and Brian Dattilo’s return ensures the holiday week will have its share of humor, tension, and emotional honesty.

Lucas brings something uniquely human to the canvas. He’s flawed, sarcastic, often stressed, and perpetually on the edge of making questionable decisions. And that’s exactly why fans love him.

While some viewers argue Lucas deserves a new love story and long-term stability, others believe he shines brightest as the protective, sometimes overbearing father and son—trying to do the right thing while stumbling along the way. His dynamic with Maggie remains one of the show’s most underrated relationships, grounded in unconditional love and shared history.

Lucas may provide comic relief during the festivities, but Days rarely brings characters back without purpose. Don’t be surprised if Lucas overhears something at the Horton house—an offhand comment, a whispered argument—that becomes the catalyst for major fallout in the new year.

DiMera Danger Zone: Peter Blake and Tony DiMera Enter the Fray

Now to the heart of the chaos: the DiMera storyline.

Beginning Monday, December 22, Dan Gauthier returns as Peter Blake, one of the most complex and unsettling figures in the DiMera orbit. His reappearance alone would be significant—but paired with the return of Jack and Jennifer, it becomes downright explosive. Peter’s dark history with Jennifer ensures unresolved tension, and his presence feels anything but coincidental.

Peter Blake has never been content to sit on the sidelines. He exists on the fringes of the DiMera empire, driven by obsession, ambition, and a need to claim his place. Many fans believe his return signals a grab for whatever is hidden inside the DiMera crypt—whether it’s Stefano’s true will, damaging evidence, or a secret capable of toppling EJ’s power.

Dan Gauthier’s portrayal brings a smooth, chilling menace that makes Peter endlessly watchable. He’s not a mustache-twirling villain; he’s calculated, charming, and unpredictable. That makes him dangerous.

Meanwhile, Tony DiMera stands as the elder statesman of the family. His interactions with Chad, Kristen, EJ, and Peter crackle with tension. Tony has always tried to preserve a sense of dignity within the DiMera name—even while surrounded by betrayal and moral compromise.

The contrast between Tony and Peter is striking. Tony is guided by a warped sense of honor; Peter by obsession. Watching them clash over family legacy promises to be Shakespearean in scope. Tony may soon face an impossible choice: protect Chad and the truth, or shield the DiMera name from complete destruction.

The Crypt That Could Change Everything

At the center of it all is the DiMera crypt—a symbol of the family’s dark past and a ticking time bomb for its future. Why does everyone want in? What secret lies buried within?

The leading theory among fans is that the crypt contains evidence capable of stripping EJ of his power—perhaps proof of crimes, manipulation, or inheritance fraud. Tony may already know the truth, but revealing it could tear the family apart forever.

As Christmas approaches, the crypt storyline is poised to reach a boiling point, and the fallout could define Salem’s power structure for years to come.

A Love Letter to the Fans

The week of December 22 doesn’t just feel big—it feels intentional. By bringing back Eli and Lani, Jack and Jennifer, Lucas, Peter Blake, and Tony DiMera all at once, Days of Our Lives is embracing its history while setting the stage for the future.

This is the show at its best: romance, nostalgia, humor, and high-stakes intrigue woven together seamlessly. It’s a reminder of why viewers have tuned in for 60 years—and why they’ll keep watching.

Whether it’s the stability of Elani, the legacy of J&J, the heart of Lucas, or the dangerous allure of the DiMeras, one thing is clear: this Christmas in Salem will change everything.