As the Christmas week unfolds in Salem, Days of Our Lives delivers a powerful blend of suspense, heartbreak, and holiday warmth in its December 22–26, 2025 episodes. The festive season may bring twinkling lights and cherished traditions, but beneath the surface, dark secrets, unresolved trauma, and dangerous emotions threaten to erupt. From the haunting depths of the Salem catacombs to tender family moments around the Christmas tree, this week promises a rollercoaster of revelations and emotional payoffs that longtime viewers won’t soon forget.

The most gripping storyline continues to center on the mysterious underground tunnels beneath Salem, where the shocking kidnapping saga inches closer to resolution. The catacombs remain a symbol of fear and uncertainty as questions swirl around Peter Blake’s true role in the crime. His sudden appearance among the captives has sent shockwaves through everyone involved, blurring the line between victim and villain. Is Peter merely another pawn caught in a twisted scheme, or has he been manipulating events from the shadows all along?

Suspicion intensifies as several members of the DiMera family take matters into their own hands. Chad DiMera steps forward as the driving force behind a tense and emotionally charged interrogation. Determined to protect his family and uncover the truth, Chad demands answers from Peter, refusing to accept vague explanations or half-truths. Theo Carver adds youthful intensity and moral urgency to the questioning, while Kristen DiMera brings her sharp instincts and trademark cunning, carefully dissecting Peter’s story for any sign of deception.

The pressure mounts even further when EJ DiMera regains consciousness after enduring his own harrowing ordeal in the tunnels. Despite his weakened state, EJ refuses to stay silent and joins the effort to expose the truth. His sharp legal mind and personal stake in the situation make him a formidable presence. Soon after, Tony DiMera awakens as well, lending his years of experience and deep understanding of family betrayals to the investigation. With so many powerful voices demanding answers, Peter’s position grows increasingly precarious, and the atmosphere in the catacombs becomes thick with tension and mistrust.

As the week progresses, signs begin to emerge that the kidnapping nightmare may finally be nearing its end. While the promise of freedom offers hope, it also brings the sobering reality of emotional fallout. The trauma endured by the captives has left deep psychological scars, none more evident than in Chad DiMera’s personal journey. His return home marks a long-awaited reunion with his children, but the damage caused by his absence cannot be undone overnight.

Young Thomas DiMera, in particular, struggles to process what his father has been through. The knowledge that Chad was in mortal danger shakes Thomas’s sense of security and forces him to confront fears far beyond his years. Confusion, anxiety, and emotional vulnerability weigh heavily on the child, making it clear that healing will take time, patience, and unwavering love.

One of the most touching arcs of the week focuses on Thomas’s gradual emotional transformation. As Chad reunites with his family, the healing process begins in small but meaningful ways. The Horton family’s beloved Christmas traditions play a crucial role in this recovery. During a heartfelt holiday gathering centered around trimming the Christmas tree, Salem’s generations come together, creating a safe space for reflection, remembrance, and renewed bonds.

In a moment that promises to move viewers to tears, Thomas steps into the spotlight by leading his family in a gentle rendition of “Silent Night.” His soft, innocent voice fills the room, symbolizing hope, forgiveness, and the slow return of trust. This emotional performance marks a turning point for Thomas, signaling his willingness to embrace joy again after weeks of fear and uncertainty.

Chad further deepens this healing journey by involving both Thomas and his sister Charlotte in creating special holiday decorations in memory of their late mother, Abigail DiMera. Through this shared activity, the children are given a healthy way to process their grief while honoring Abigail’s legacy. The decorations become more than ornaments—they are symbols of love, resilience, and the enduring strength of family. Charlotte, guided by her father’s compassion, finds her own way to express sorrow and gratitude, reinforcing the bond between the siblings during this fragile time.

The spirit of togetherness extends beyond the DiMera household as the wider Horton family gathers in support of one another. Lonnie and Eli Grant return to Salem and join the festivities, bringing warmth and comfort to the group. Their presence is especially meaningful to Julie Williams, who feels the absence of her beloved husband Doug more deeply during the holidays. Surrounded by younger family members and longtime friends, Julie finds solace in the enduring community that has always defined Salem.

This emphasis on intergenerational support highlights one of Days of Our Lives’ core themes: family is not just about blood, but about showing up for one another in moments of joy and sorrow alike. The holiday celebration becomes a reminder that even in times of loss, no one truly stands alone.

Meanwhile, an emotionally uplifting subplot unfolds at Bayview, where Rachel Black experiences an unexpected holiday blessing. Spending Christmas in a psychiatric facility is far from ideal, but Rachel’s spirits are lifted by a surprise visit from Dr. Marlena Evans. More than a professional check-in, Marlena’s presence offers genuine compassion and reassurance. For Rachel, the visit is a powerful reminder that she is valued, supported, and never forgotten—even during her most vulnerable moments.

This quiet yet meaningful interaction provides a gentle contrast to the week’s darker storylines, reinforcing the importance of empathy and human connection in the healing process.

Across town, Xander Kiriakis attempts to mend fences during the holiday season, starting with Maggie Kiriakis. Hoping to prove he has changed, Xander presents Maggie with a deeply personal gift—believed to be a portrait honoring Victor Kiriakis, or perhaps a romantic depiction of Victor and Maggie together. The gesture reflects Xander’s desire to acknowledge what truly matters to Maggie: love, legacy, and remembrance.

While his words are sincere and his effort genuine, the outcome remains uncertain. Maggie’s reaction could shape Xander’s future in Salem, either opening the door to redemption or reinforcing the walls that still separate him from the family he longs to belong to.

Unfortunately for Xander, his fragile emotional state takes a devastating hit when he witnesses Sarah Horton and Brady Black sharing a passionate kiss in Salem’s town square. The romantic moment, set against festive lights and holiday cheer, becomes a painful reminder that Sarah has moved on. For Xander, unresolved feelings and lingering regret collide, reigniting jealousy and deep-seated anger.

This emotional blow proves dangerous. Already struggling with rejection and isolation, Xander’s inner turmoil begins to spiral. The combination of romantic heartbreak and lingering resentment sets the stage for impulsive decisions that could have serious consequences. As hints emerge that his anger may soon be directed toward Brady, viewers are left bracing for the fallout that will follow in the weeks ahead.

As the Christmas week draws to a close, Days of Our Lives masterfully weaves together suspense, romance, and heartfelt emotion. The kidnapping crisis moves toward resolution, but its impact will linger long after the catacombs fall silent. Families begin to heal, relationships evolve, and simmering tensions threaten to explode in the new year.

The episodes airing December 22–26, 2025, serve as both a culmination and a launching point—offering closure, while setting the stage for dramatic twists yet to come. With its signature blend of tradition and surprise, Days of Our Lives once again proves why it remains a cornerstone of daytime drama, delivering stories that resonate across generations and keep Salem’s future tantalizingly unpredictable.