Days Short Recap Friday January 2, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

The town square was set up for Javi and Leo’s wedding. Rafe checked in with Javi. Chad arrived and found out that Leo was missing. Marlena let him know that Leo was having a panic attack when she talked to him. Leo didn’t answer his phone. Arianna freaked out. Javi started spiraling. Leo arrived in a cheerful mood. Chad and Gwen caught up. She told him that she was worried about him when he was missing. Gwen told him that Jennifer was a terrible person for trying to take his kids from him. Marlena was happy that Leo arrived for the ceremony. He credited her advice for why he showed up. The wedding got started. Marlena talked about Leo and how she was happy for him. She started the ceremony. Marlena asked if anyone objected to Javi and Leo getting married. No one said anything. Leo stared at Gwen, and she gave him the thumbs up. Arianna and Gabi did a poetry reading. Gwen looked around like she was nervous. Javi and Leo said their “I do’s” and started their vows. Chad and Rafe handed the grooms their rings. Gwen became annoyed and impatient. After the vows, Javi and Leo kissed each other. Javi and Leo signed their marriage certificate after the ceremony. Marlena informed the grooms that their marriage wasn’t official until she filed it with the court. She said she couldn’t do it on New Year’s Day. Gwen approached Leo and Javi and congratulated them. She walked off. Gwen watched them kiss. She sent a text, and Dimitri arrived. Gwen was practically breathless with anticipation.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, January 1, 2026

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Rafe praised Cat for her work on the DiMera case. Her actions made it possible for Theo to get the help he needed. They talked about how they were wrong about EJ being responsible for the kidnappings. Cat said that EJ leaving town to be with Sydney would give her time to snoop around to see what he’s hiding. Rafe was worried about Sydney. Cat told him that she was having panic attacks since EJ disappeared. Rafe told her that he was worried about Sydney since she was his stepdaughter. They talked about Stefan. She had a copy of Stefan’s death certificate from Vivian which she just filed. They wondered if he faked his death because of the time Vivian waited to file his death certificate. Rafe hoped for Gabi’s sake that Stefan was really dead. They still wanted to know about the bones from the DiMera crypt. Rafe realized it was getting late. He had to get to Javi and Leo’s wedding. Rafe wanted to get Leo drunk so he could get information out of him. Gabi went to the DiMera mansion and saw Gwen drinking. She wanted to see the dress Gabi made for her to wear to the wedding. Gabi let her know that she didn’t finish it and told her that Stefan might be dead. She told Gwen that Vivian claimed Stefan died in October. Gabi thought it might be true. Jake’s heart gave out on him. Gwen said she loved Jake at one point. She was okay with Gabi not making the dress. Gwen wanted her to leave.

Arianna was glad that Marlena was out of the hospital. She vented to her about dreading Javi’s wedding because of Leo. Arianna talked to her about the things that Leo to her dads. Marlena didn’t forget what Leo did, but she forgave him because he changed. Arianna knew that her fathers forgave him, but she didn’t know why she had trouble doing it. Chanel and Johnny were with Trey. She felt like she should stay with the baby and not go to the wedding. Johnny felt like she didn’t want to be around him. Chanel admitted that she was upset with him because he wasn’t happy about her being pregnant. Johnny told her that he wasn’t unhappy. He was scared because the pregnancy could be dangerous for her. They have a beautiful and healthy baby. Johnny and Trey needed her. Chanel wanted him to come clean. Johnny felt like she shouldn’t have the baby. Chanel wasn’t happy about what he said. Johnny thought they should listen to the doctors. If there was a chance that the cancer could come back, the pregnancy wouldn’t be worth it. Chanel told him that it was her body, and her choice. She felt like it was worth it to have the baby.

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Days Update Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Chanel watches over baby Trey at home. Chanel says she’s sorry he isn’t feeling well but excitedly says that he’s going to be a big brother soon and she can’t believe it.

Johnny and Tony are at the hospital. Johnny talks about the doctors believing Theo will make a full recovery which Tony calls a relief. Tony admits that Johnny was able to take over as CEO in the meantime. Johnny says his family needed him to step up, but now that Tony’s back, he’s happy to hand it over to him. Tony then reveals that he’s not planning to take over as CEO.

Kate goes to Titan and tells Xander that she needs to talk to him in private.

EJ enters the living room of the DiMera Mansion as Gwen is finishing a call about getting a wedding present for Leo and Javi. EJ questions if she really wishes them the best.

Leo surprises Javi at home with his engagement ring. Javi excitedly hugs him and tells him that he’s everything to him as Leo puts the ring on Javi’s finger. Javi calls it perfect and declares that in a few short hours, they will be married. Javi calls it the happiest day of his life as they kiss.

Johnny questions Tony not planning to step back in as CEO. Tony says he promised Anna that he wouldn’t and that was when he decided to pursue getting DiMera back from Titan. Tony jokes that Anna would unleash on him if he went back on his promise. Johnny understands but says it’s not like he’s the only choice since EJ is back. Tony says that EJ and Chad aren’t interested while Kristen is disqualified which leaves Johnny. Tony encourages him to think of the prestige and says he’s heard that Johnny has been enjoying himself immensely. Johnny says he’s only been at it for a couple days but he has no complaints so far. Johnny admits it felt satisfying to sign the papers to officially claim the company back for their family. Tony responds that was spoken like a true DiMera. Tony asks if he can count on Johnny. Johnny responds that he can.

Leo asks Javi if he has any New Year’s resolutions. Javi wants to eat healthier and learn how to play classical piano. Javi asks about Leo’s resolutions. Leo says he has to put some finishing touches on his end of the year story before their wedding. Javi advises him not to get himself killed by EJ, pointing out that EJ wasn’t the one kidnapping his family. Leo brings up EJ’s behavioral history and says he knows he’s up to something, so he intends to find out what that is.

EJ questions Gwen attending Leo and Javi’s wedding. Gwen says she hasn’t been formally invited yet, but she is sending them a wedding gift. EJ jokingly asks if she’s going to send them a bomb. Gwen says it will be something they are sure to love because she has excellent taste. Gwen adds that it’s not because she wants to but because EJ is insisting she befriend Leo.

Anna arrives at the hospital to reunite with Tony and they embrace.

Xander tells Kate that there’s no need to worry about privacy since they are the only ones crazy enough to be working on the holiday. Kate questions Maggie and Philip not being there, asking what happened to saving Titan no matter what. Xander points out that they didn’t get it away from DiMera and thanks Kate for convincing Johnny to make it happen. Kate responds that she did what had to be done for Titan. Xander never realized Kate cared so much. Kate reminds Xander that she and Victor were once quite the couple and she put a lot in to Titan publishing, so she wouldn’t let all that time and effort go to waste. Kate is sure Maggie cares about Titan as much as she does, but she’s way too cautious. Kate adds that after the forgery debacle, Philip is afraid to color outside the lines, but Xander is not one to sit back and tow the line. Kate calls Xander a fighter who gets knocked down and gets right back up, just like her. Kate really thinks that if they work together, they could do what needs to be done.

Johnny goes home to Chanel, who says she’s so glad he’s home as she and Trey have missed him. Chanel says she just put Trey down for his nap and asks if there’s any update on Theo. Johnny responds that he’s still unconscious but doctors are optimistic that he’s improving. Chanel hopes Trey will be feeling better tomorrow and then she can head over to the hospital. Johnny asks about Trey still not feeling well. Chanel guesses it’s teething and says he cried for an hour before putting him down. Chanel talks about doing everything the pediatrician recommended. Johnny asks how she’s feeling. Chanel says she doesn’t have any morning sickness yet but she’s happy to know why she’s been so tired lately. Chanel points out that EJ is home now which means Johnny can hand over the CEO position today. Johnny informs her that he actually can’t.

Leo gets a message from Johnny that he was able to piece together what Gwen and EJ were talking about in the video from the gala. Leo reads the message which says that Gwen told EJ about a delivery truck crashing so EJ told Gwen that she would have to handle it herself while Gwen got annoyed that EJ was treating her like another one of his minions. Javi praises Leo for being right that they were waiting on a delivery. Leo says the question is what kind of delivery. Leo suggests he could invite Gwen to their wedding and ask about the delivery, but he worries that it could be a downer to have her there because the last wedding Gwen likely attending was her own to Dimitri and they don’t need that reminder.

Gwen comments on EJ drinking early. EJ points out that it’s New Year’s Eve. EJ thanks Gwen for looking after their project during his unplanned absence and for wiping his phone clean when the police came calling. Gwen asks how he knew. EJ says that Rita told him but he’s pretty sure her primary objective was protecting her own investment, though he’s still grateful for her quick thinking. Gwen responds that it wasn’t all about her own investment as she did worry about what happened to EJ when he suddenly vanished. Gwen adds that Rita showed up shortly after he was grabbed and she told her that he was asking her to do some sort of a job. Gwen assumes that it might have something to do with Leo. Gwen states that if EJ is grateful to her like he said, then she kindly asks him to cease and desist. EJ questions her saying that she doesn’t want him to go after Leo. EJ remarks that if he didn’t know better, he’d say she was rather fond of Leo. Gwen reminds EJ that after Leo betrayed her, the only feeling she has for him is contempt. Gwen says she would like to get her own retribution in her own way in her own time. EJ asks what kind of retribution she has in mind. Gwen says she’d like to keep her cards close to her chest for the time being. EJ says since he was granted a new lease on life, he could offer the same to Leo as long as Gwen gets him to stop his snooping. EJ points out that someone tipped off the police to Dr. Rolf staying in the cellar. Gwen questions what makes him think it’s Leo. EJ calls it an educated guess. Gwen disagrees that it was Leo but says it doesn’t matter anyway as she has a foolproof plan to keep Leo distracted for the foreseeable future.

Javi tells Leo that he knows things with he and Dimitri were left unresolved. Leo says after Dimitri’s letter, things were pretty resolved. Javi points out that they were planning a new life together and then he got arrested so Leo never saw him again. Leo insists that chapter of his life is over and that Javi is the only man he will ever care about. Javi thinks Leo should invite Gwen to their wedding, believing it will help him move forward. Leo decides maybe he will and he won’t let it be a downer as he won’t let anyone or anything damper his high spirits. Leo thanks him as they kiss. Javi tells Leo to go ahead and invite Gwen, so Leo makes the call.

Anna tells Tony that he’s still the most handsome man while Tony says she’s as beautiful as ever. Anna says she’s been worried sick about him for the last few weeks. Tony is sorry for what she had to go through. Anna is just glad he’s alright. Tony says he is now that he’s with the love of his life as they kiss. Tony asks how she found him here. Anna explains that she went to the DiMera Mansion where Harold told her that he was here and she couldn’t wait to see him.

Chanel questions Johnny saying he can’t give up being CEO. Chanel argues that he fulfilled his duty and now that the DiMeras have been rescued, there are plenty of others to take over. Johnny responds that the problem is that nobody wants it. Johnny tells her that he just saw Tony at the hospital and he said Anna would go nuts if he took over after the kidnapping, so Tony wants him to stay a little longer. Chanel questions how long that is. Johnny guesses until Theo is better. Johnny doesn’t think it’s that big of a deal since his family is not in danger anymore, so there’s no reason not to stick around and help out. Chanel complains that she can think of a few reasons.

Xander says it sounds like Kate wants him to go behind Maggie’s back. Kate says she just wants him to keep Maggie out of the loop. Kate questions why he’s worried about what Maggie would think or how she would react. Kate says he’s the CEO of Titan and questions why he’s loyal to Maggie. Xander feels Maggie believed in him and saw the good in him. Kate says it’s nice to look back fondly but asks how that is today, pointing out that Maggie now barely tolerates him. Kate adds that it isn’t about Maggie at all and it’s Titan that matters. Kate says they don’t want to see Titan fail and he already knows what dire straits they are in. Kate asks Xander to atleast listen to her plan which he agrees to do.

Gwen meets Leo and Javi in the town square. Gwen brings up that it’s their wedding day and questions them not being busy doing groom things. Leo says they have it under control and informs her that they are getting married here in the town square. Leo knows for awhile now, he and Gwen have not been on the best of terms, but she was once his best friend in the entire world. Leo says no matter what’s happened between them, he never stopped caring about her, so it would mean the world to them if she would come to their wedding.

Xander stops Kate and says he understands she wants to use Johnny’s inexperience against him, forcing him to screw up, but it sounds like his days as interim CEO are numbered. Kate says she wouldn’t be too sure about that since she called Tony, who told her that Theo is still out which means he won’t be in a suit and tie anytime soon. Kate has a strong feeling that Tony has no plans to step in. Xander questions what Roman thinks about all of this since Johnny is his grandson and she’s plotting against him. Kate corrects that she’s plotting against DiMera. Kate says if she needs to handle this with Roman, she will. Xander questions how exactly they are going to pull it off. Kate says it will be easy and hands him the manuscript of One Rainy Afternoon by Bonnie Lockhart.

Susan enters the living room of the DiMera Mansion and tells EJ that she doesn’t like seeing him day drinking. EJ wishes her a Happy New Year’s Eve. Susan hugs him and says she’s so glad he was found alright. Susan asks him to lay off the drinking until the sun goes down. Susan can’t believe Peter Blake kept them in the crypt like animals. EJ says they nearly turned on each other, but in the end it was somewhat of a bonding experience.

Anna tells Tony how frightened she was when he didn’t come back to the ship and she knew something was terribly wrong but no one would listen to her. Anna says she was in agony since she couldn’t help find him. Anna asks the condition of the others. Tony responds that everyone is different stages of recovery, but Peter is definitely in the worst shape which Anna says he deserves. Tony informs her that they will be having a meeting at Peter’s bedside later because the family has a difficult decision to make on whether or not to keep Peter alive.

Johnny knows Chanel is worried that he will get swept back in to the drama of his family. Chanel remarks that it’s happened before. Johnny promises it won’t happen this time as all of his focus is on her and their baby. Johnny says a big part of the reason is the great paycheck which can give them room to breathe. Johnny says that brings him to the next topic he wants to discuss with her.

Javi tells Gwen that it would mean a lot to them if she was there to celebrate with them. Gwen accepts the invitation. Leo thanks her and hugs her, saying it means more to him than she knows.

Anna tells Tony that there is no need for he and his siblings to hash out Peter’s medical decisions. Anna remarks that she could save them the trouble by strangling him herself as she’s so appalled at what his own brother put them through. Tony remarks that it’s not the first time it happens as the DiMeras have a long history of backstabbing and betrayal. Tony admits this last ordeal was sort of a bonding experience. Anna jokes that she didn’t think it was possible for a nest of vipers to bond. Tony remarks that who knows how long it will last.

Susan wonders if being held captive made EJ realize the state of his life. EJ questions what she means. Susan says that in her last near death experience, she saw and felt the white light and came back to life. Susan says it was then that she decided to become a medium. EJ responds that he won’t become a medium. Susan brings up EJ’s love life and how he and Cat were about to kiss when she walked in before. EJ calls that a momentary lapse of judgment and promises it won’t happen again. Susan says that’s good because she doesn’t trust Cat any more than she trusts Gwen. Susan remarks that there is no doubt that Gwen is a snake and she bets that Gwen is the one who told the police that Dr. Rolf was in the secret room. EJ is certain that Gwen did not tip them off regarding Dr. Rolf. Susan says she’s certain that he is wrong. Susan then asks EJ what exactly Dr. Rolf is doing in Salem.

Chanel asks what Johnny wants to talk about. Johnny hates knowing that she thought her cancer might have come back and she didn’t even tell him. He hates that she had to go through that all alone. Chanel insists it’s okay as he had so much going on and she didn’t want him to worry since it turned out to be something wonderful. Chanel calls her being pregnant a miracle.

Leo tells Gwen how happy it makes him that she will be at his wedding. Gwen remarks that it will be like old times with a new spin. Leo says he loves that. Javi loves the positive energy. Javi then asks if Gwen could urge EJ to lay off of Leo. Gwen reveals that she already has urged EJ, so as long as Leo keeps his nose out of EJ’s business, he should be fine. Gwen asks if it’s not bad luck for the groom to see the groom before the wedding. Leo says he hopes not. Gwen says she will see them later and walks away. Leo comments that it went well.

Anna tells Tony to go be with his family, but as soon as he’s finished with his obligations, they are going to finish their vacation. Tony agrees to whatever her heart desires as they kiss.

Kate asks Xander what he thinks about her plan. Xander thinks it’s rather shrewd, cunning, only slightly underhanded and hopefully not illegal. Kate assures it’s not illegal and asks if Xander is in. Xander declares that he most definitely is.

EJ tells Susan that she knows he can’t speak on what Dr. Rolf is doing, but she doesn’t have to worry about him. Susan says she worries about him and about Johnny as CEO of DiMera. EJ says there is no cause for concern as the position is only temporary. Susan says she can see it in EJ’s eyes that he wants it to be permanent. EJ says if the position brings Johnny back in to the family fold, he would have no problem with that. EJ informs Susan that he doesn’t usually make New Year’s resolutions but this year, he’s resolving to repair his relationship with his son.

Chanel asks Johnny if he’s happy that they are having a baby. Johnny assures that he is, but the doctor said she wasn’t supposed to be pregnant yet and it could prevent them being able to detect her cancer, so if it did come back, by the time they find it, she could already be in danger and one or both of them could die. Chanel understands he’s worried and says she is too, but she’s also full of hope and optimism. Chanel adds that Sarah said she will need very careful monitoring, but there’s a good chance there will be no cancer and she can have a healthy pregnancy. Johnny is sorry to be a downer as he wants to be happy and optimistic like she is, but admits he’s scared to death.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Tony and Johnny talk about who should run DiMera Enterprises. He felt like Johnny was the only one who could do it. Tony didn’t want to do it, and Johnny was enjoying it. Anna found Tony at the hospital and ran into his arms. She wanted to know how everyone was doing. He told her that they were meeting at Peter’s bedside to decide if they should keep him alive. Anna was willing to put Peter in the ground to save them the trouble. Tony felt like the betrayal brought the family together. Chanel told Trey that he was going to be a big brother when Johnny came home. He told her that he was staying the CEO of DiMera Enterprises. Chanel wasn’t happy about his decision. He promised her that he was staying CEO until Theo recovered. Johnny talked to her about the big check that he would be getting. He shifted gears and told her that he was sad that she didn’t tell him that her cancer might have returned. Kate went into Xander’s office and talked to him about the company. She felt like they were the only two left who would play dirty to save Titan.

Kate wanted him to keep Maggie out of the loop. Xander didn’t like the idea of that. Kate told him about the plan and how they could take advantage of Johnny. She gave him Bonnie’s new book. Gwen ordered Leo and Javi’s wedding present when EJ returned home. She told him that she wasn’t invited to the wedding, but she weas working on it. Gwen wanted to know what he and Rita were talking about when he was kidnapped. She didn’t want him to take Leo out. Gwen didn’t care about him. She had her own plan of revenge. Gwen had a way to keep him distracted. Leo and Javi were getting ready for their wedding. Javi was worried about EJ hurting Leo. Leo was determined to find out what EJ was up to. He got confirmation on what EJ and Gwen were talking about at the gala. Leo thought about inviting Gwen to the wedding to get more dirt from her. Javi talked him into inviting her to the wedding. Gwen arrived at the town square, and the couple invited her to their wedding. She agreed to go. Javi asked Gwen to make sure that EJ got off Leo’s back. She would do that if Leo stayed out of his business.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Belle went to EJ’s office to get Kristen out of prison. EJ agreed with her. He signed a document agreeing to Kristen recanting her confession and getting Rachel some help. He apologized to Belle for how he treated her and brought up how she reacted to him being missing. Belle said despite their problems, she didn’t want him to be dead. Brady went to the hospital to get her free and to help Rachel get better. Kristen was still shocked that Peter tried to kill her family. She said she was worried that Rachel’s life would be ruined and she would be judged once it came out. Brady said he and Belle would make sure it didn’t get out. Melinda showed up to see Kristen. Belle came in with the signed document from EJ. Kristen signed the document recanting her confession. Belle and Melinda left the room. Rachel went to see Sophia to tell her how her holiday was. Sophia said she was never going home because her parents fought all the time and her mother had unreasonable expectations. She told Rachel that she was leaving Salem for good after she took care of some things. After Rachel left, Melinda showed up to see Sophia. Melinda apologized for what happened with the baby.

Tony and Chad went to EJ’s office to talk about Peter. Chad said he didn’t want to pull the plug. EJ said he wanted him gone. He said DiMeras tended to rise above the ashes to finish what they started. Tony said they should find out what Kristen wanted. Kristen went to Peter’s room and apologized to him and said she couldn’t let the DiMeras die. She said she was one of the DiMeras no matter what. Kristen said Peter was a Blake and she would love him too. Chad and Tony showed up to see what she wanted to do. Kristen said she would leave Peter’s fate in God’s hands. She didn’t think Peter would want to live like this and wanted to pull the plug. If he breathed on his own, it was God’s plan. Tony hugged her. EJ told Belle that Sydney had a panic attack after finding out about the threat to the DiMeras. He said she hasn’t been doing well so he wanted to see her.

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Days Short Recap Monday, December 29, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Roman went to see Marlena. She broke down and cried in his arms because she was thinking about John. Marlena told Roman that she was home by herself. They talked about how much she has been struggling. Roman said it was her first Christmas without John and she needed to be patient with herself. He decided to take her out. Marlena said she felt better looking at the decorations and thanked him for helping her feel better. He took her to the pub. Kate and Lucas were talking about turning Stephanie’s book into a movie. Marlena was upset when they talked about Stephanie’s stalker and Steve having to find the stalker on his own. Rafe went home and told Gabi that Stefan was dead. Gabi was shocked. She couldn’t believe it. Gabi didn’t think Peter and Vivian were reliable. Arianna tried to convince Gabi that it was true. Rafe said the FBI was working to confirm if it was true. He showed her a picture of Stefan’s tombstone that Vivian had. Rafe said Jake’s heart gave out on him. Gabi finally believed it was true and left the house. Rafe told Arianna that he didn’t see what Vivian would gain by lying. Gabi ran into Philip. She told him about Stefan. Gabi said she wished she didn’t care, but she did. Roman checked on Marlena by the bar. Marlena said it hurt to hear that Steve was investigating without John. When she broke down in the pub, he hugged her and said he would always be there for her. Kate looked at them and was annoyed.

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Days Update Monday, December 29, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Alex and Stephanie are at home as Alex talks about cooking Adrienne’s famous lasagna. Stephanie tells him that Adrienne would be proud and that Steve will love it as it is the perfect Christmas dinner. Alex and Stephanie kiss as Steve walks in to the room and sees them.

Kate, Philip, and Lucas sit together at the Brady Pub. Kate is glad Lucas got back in time for the Horton Christmas party. Lucas says he was worried when his flight got delayed but was lucky the party got delayed until Chad was found safe. Kate is glad Chad is back home with his family as she know what it’s like to be kept away from her kids. Philip says they are here now. Kate proposes a toast to family, adding that she’s a happy mom to have her two kids here and hopes to make it a tradition along with their other siblings next year.

Marlena goes home and looks at a photo of her and John until Roman arrives with soup to wish her a merry Christmas. Roman hugs Marlena as she cries.

Arianna and Gabi are at home where Gabi shows Arianna how she helped Javi design a wedding ring for Leo. Arianna remarks that it’s a little more than Leo deserves. Gabi understands how she feels but says that Javi loves him and he loves Javi. Arianna says that’s until he doesn’t. Rafe then comes home. Gabi can’t believe he missed Christmas. Rafe says he’s so sorry but it was worth it to save the DiMeras from that whole ordeal. Gabi jokes that he saves the day again. Gabi then asks if something’s wrong. Arianna asks if Theo’s condition got worse. Rafe responds that it’s not Theo, but the DiMeras did tell him something when they rescued them. Gabi asks what it is. Arianna offers to give them space but Gabi says if something is going on, it’s better that they are all aware so she stays. Rafe then reveals that according to the family, Stefan is dead.

Marlena tells Roman that she’s sorry as she was just looking at a picture of John. Roman tells her there’s nothing to be sorry about. Marlena is glad he’s there and thanks him for the soup, recalling that Caroline always said her soup had healing ingredients. Roman hopes it helps her today. Marlena thinks it will. Roman asks where the rest of the family is. Marlena says he just missed them and that Rachel was there earlier which was lovely, but then Belle and Brady had to take her back to Bayview. Roman questions Marlena being here all by herself now. Marlena responds that she’s getting used to that now, but Belle is coming back soon. Roman is glad he decided to stop by then.

Alex and Stephanie kiss until Steve interrupts. Steve apologizes that he keeps doing that and says he just came out to watch the game. Steve recognizes the smell of Adrienne’s lasagna. Alex says it’s his attempt at it anyways. Steve says those are very big shoes to fill and calls him brave. Steve asks when they eat. Stephanie says it will be very soon but she wanted to make sure they were all together. Steve reminds them that Kayla has to work tonight and asks if they invited Justin and Bonnie. Alex says they made a last minute getaway to Phoenix to go visit Sonny and Will. Alex guesses Bonnie took a break from writing her romance novel. Stephanie is surprised as Alex says she apparently inspired her. Stephanie says that should be interesting. Steve asks who they invited to dinner then. Kayla then arrives, surprising Steve.

Kate asks Lucas if he spoke to Sami. Lucas says no and asks why she asks. Kate thought maybe they’d stay in touch. Lucas says he got a Christmas card and an official engagement announcement. Kate jokes that not even Roman got that while Philip suggests maybe she’s rubbing it in. Kate suggests maybe Lucas will get a chance to return the favor which Philip questions. Kate then reveals that Lucas has a new love in his life. Lucas reminds her that he told her not to say anything. Kate asks when they are going to find out who it is. Lucas says never which Kate questions. Lucas says it’s only been a few months, so he doesn’t want to scare her away. Lucas remarks that the way Kate’s reacted to every woman in his life, she would definitely scare her away. Kate says she’s mellowed in the last few years and just wants them to be happy. Lucas points out that Philip is happy and seeing someone. Lucas jokes that Philip is dating his granddaughter’s mother which Philip says sounds weird when he says it like that. Philip states that he and Gabi have been hanging out. Lucas asks how that’s going. Philip says it’s in the early stages but he hasn’t felt this way about anyone since. Kate stops him and says not to mention that woman’s name.

Gabi sits in shock hearing the news that Stefan is dead. Arianna says she’s so sorry. Gabi asks who told Rafe that. Rafe responds that Peter Blake told his siblings and then they confirmed it with Vivian. Gabi argues that it can’t be right because she would know it and feel it in her heart. Rafe knows it’s hard to hear. Gabi calls it a lie and says he can’t believe a maniac like Peter and insists that Vivian has to be lying because Stefan can’t be dead.

Marlena tells Roman that she’s used to helping people deal with grief and find their way through it to move on with their lives, but when it comes to herself, sometimes she has good days and somedays are like today. Roman understands Christmas is going to be a hard time. Marlena guesses it hasn’t been that long and she’s still in the grieving stages. Marlena cries that she can’t believe John is gone and she’s never going to see him again. Roman agrees that it hasn’t been that long. Marlena guesses she needs to be more patient with herself. Marlena apologizes for taking up his time on Christmas. Roman tells her that’s why he’s here and points out that she just spent all that time in the hospital, so he asks how she would feel about a field trip.

Philip and Lucas joke about Kate being over having an opinion on who they are seeing. Kate says it’s not an opinion to feel that woman’s name should not be said in polite company, especially on Christmas. Philip and Lucas joke that they agree not to say Chloe’s name. Kate responds that she’s just glad that she is out of their lives. Kate then tells Lucas that she did have some news about another ex of his, Bonnie. Lucas says that doesn’t count since he thought she was Adrienne. Philip guesses Kate’s talking about Bonnie’s new career. Kate informs Lucas that Bonnie is writing a romance novel and asks how Philip knew. Philip admits he saw the manuscript on Kate’s desk and was curious. Lucas asks what it’s about. Kate says she doesn’t know as she doesn’t read unsolicited material. Lucas insists she do so to let him know if he’s in it.

Steve thought Kayla had to work. Kayla explains that she got someone to cover so she could at least spend a little time with her family on Christmas. Alex and Stephanie welcome Kayla as she says she has missed them all. Steve says not as much as he missed her and kisses her. Alex jokes that they can go in the other room if they want some privacy while Steve brings up what he just walked in on. Stephanie says they are allowed some PDA since Kayla has barely seen Steve since he’s been living here. Steve responds that he’ll be home soon. Stephanie asks how soon. Steve says as soon as they get a handle on the fanatic who has been harassing her. Kayla asks if there’s been any progress on that front. Steve thinks they are getting closer.

Rafe tells Gabi that he’s the last person that wants to believe Vivian, but she sounded genuinely upset on the phone. Gabi argues that Vivian could be acting upset as she’s an expert at deceiving people and she’d do anything to keep Stefan away. Arianna asks if Gabi should at least consider that it might be true. Gabi says no because she does not believe it. Gabi questions why Vivian didn’t tell anyone if Stefan was truly dead. Rafe says that she said the DiMeras didn’t deserve to know. Gabi asks what about her since she was his wife and questions if she doesn’t get to pay respects. Gabi announces she’s booking a flight tonight to go see Vivian and demand to see Stefan. Rafe stops her and says they are working independently to confirm it and then shows her his phone where Vivian had sent him a photo of Stefan’s tombstone. Gabi notes that means she’s saying this happened a couple of months ago. Rafe confirms that Vivian said Stefan was sick for awhile and that’s why no one had heard from him. Gabi asks if she said how he died. Rafe responds that his heart finally gave out on him. Gabi starts to cry and remembers they said it was possible with his transplanted heart.

Roman and Marlena walk through the town square. Roman reminds her that when they were first married, they used to drive down Christmas Tree lane to see the lights and decorations. Roman asks if she and John kept up that tradition. Marlena confirms that they did and that seeing the town square decorated has lifted her spirits, so she thanks him for bringing her here. Roman says it lifted his spirits too to be here with her. Marlena thanks him and says she feels so lucky to have her grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends all so caring. Roman assures they will never stop.

Philip points out that he’s featured in prominently in Stephanie’s book, it’s only fair that Lucas is in Bonnie’s. Lucas argues that he was duped so his time with Bonnie doesn’t count. Lucas asks what the book is about. Kate tells him not to worry about it since it’s not going anywhere. Philip asks what if it’s actually good and well written, feeling she owes it to Titan to at least read it. Kate rolls her eyes so Philip says nevermind. Philip says it was good to see them both and wishes them a merry Christmas. Lucas asks if he’s going on a hot date. Philip says they’ll see as he exits the Pub.

Gabi tells Rafe and Arianna that she doesn’t know why she’s so upset since it’s not like she and Stefan were together and he hurt her terribly, so she’s not going to waste any more tears on him. Gabi decides she needs to get some air. Rafe offers to go with her but Gabi says it’s okay. Arianna questions if she wants to be alone right now. Gabi says she’s sure and tells Arianna to stay and take care of Rafe while she just needs a little time alone. Gabi says she loves them and exits.

Steve explains that whoever the crazy fan is, they know he’s in Salem and left handed. Kayla asks if there are any leads. Steve says there is one guy who checks the boxes. Stephanie says that’s Jeremy Horton since he’s ambidextrous. Kayla prays it’s not him since Julie does not need any more drama in her life. Stephanie goes over Jeremy coming to town, telling her that he knows she’s Anastasia, getting outed by Leo, and then the letters start. Kayla asks what the plan is. Steve says right now it’s nothing which Kayla questions. Steve explains that if they confront him now, he could escalate from letters in to taking the obsession further.

Marlena thanks Roman for getting her out of the house. Roman says it was his pleasure and asks if she wants to keep walking. Marlena reminds him that he has to get home to his family. Roman invites her to come back to the Pub with him and says Kate would love to see her. Roman adds that he won’t take no for an answer, so Marlena accepts but says she won’t stay long. Roman says they will see as they head to the Pub.

Arianna asks if Rafe believes that Stefan is really dead. Rafe responds that his cop brain doesn’t want to believe it until he’s confirmed, but he doesn’t see what Vivian would gain from lying. Arianna says as upset as Gabi was, she’s so glad that Gabi has moved on with someone that makes her happy. Rafe agrees that Philip has been good for her. Arianna says they have a complicated history but he treats her like gold, though she doesn’t know what this will do for their relationship to have all these old feelings bubbling up again. Rafe encourages that Gabi is a strong woman, so maybe Stefan being gone will give her the closure she needs. Arianna says that’s if it doesn’t send her spiraling.

Gabi walks to the town square where Philip finds her and wishes her a merry Christmas. Philip says he was going to see her but had to stop by his room first to pick up her Christmas gift. Gabi calls that very sweet of him. Philip asks if she wants to hang out and go see a movie. Philip notes her sadness and asks what’s wrong.

Roman brings Marlena to the Pub. Kate and Lucas hug Marlena and wish her a merry Christmas. Roman heads to the back to get her a piece of cherry pie as Marlena sits with Kate and Lucas. Marlena asks if they are sure she’s not intruding since Roman insisted she come by. Lucas assures they are glad she did. Marlena asks how Lucas is and notes that Sami told her they are getting along very well which Lucas confirms. Marlena says that makes her happy and imagines it makes the kids happy too. Lucas says it does and asks if she talked to Will today. Marlena confirms she did and that Will is starting a new screenplay. Kate brings up that Titan has been approached about turning One Stormy Night in to a film and says that Will would be perfect to adapt it. Roman returns to the table and agrees that it would be great for Will but points out Titan doing some belt tightening and that movies can be risky. Kate says they can be but when they are approached by a reputable studio to turn the most talked about novel in America in to a motion picture, it could turn Titan’s cash flow for years and really change everything for Titan. Kate feels they just need to move on it while the buzz is hot. Roman mentions that Steve told him they’ve already got more buzz than they’d like.

Kayla feels they shouldn’t jump to conclusions based on Stephanie and Jeremy’s history. Steve assures that they are looking at other suspects since Stephanie’s book has sold a lot of copies. Alex remarks that sometimes the obvious choice is obvious for a reason. Steve says either way, he will be looking at any possible threats. Stephanie guesses that means he’s not moving out anytime soon. Kayla says she was going to keep this information until after dinner but Jada told her that she will station an officer outside of Stephanie’s apartment tonight, so Stephanie and Alex could have a nice Christmas alone while Steve can come home with her. Steve guesses that works. Kayla says she’s missed him so much as they hug while Alex kisses Stephanie and they are happy with the decision.

Philip asks Gabi what it is. Gabi informs him that she got some news tonight that she didn’t expect and she doesn’t know why she’s taking it so hard. Philip asks what the news is, so Gabi tells him that her ex-husband Stefan might be dead. Gabi doesn’t know why she’s so upset since Stefan cheated on her while she was in prison. Philip points out that she loved him. Philip questions her saying that he might be dead. Gabi explains that it all happened when Peter Blake was holding the DiMeras and Rafe talked to Vivian, who confirmed it with a picture of his headstone. Philip asks how it happened. Gabi says that his heart gave out in October. Gabi doesn’t understand why Vivian never bothered telling her. Philip suggests maybe Vivian thought she wouldn’t care. Gabi wishes she didn’t care as she told herself that she was over Stefan and that he was dead to her, so she doesn’t understand why she’s feeling this way. Philip asks what way she is feeling. Gabi says it’s like her whole world just fell apart.

Rafe tells Arianna that they are not going to let Gabi spiral out of control. Rafe says he will do everything he can to confirm the information and then they will be there to support Gabi. Rafe encourages that Gabi will get through this challenge like she has every other challenge in her life. Rafe adds that Gabi wouldn’t want Arianna to get all worked up over this when she has school to worry about. Rafe mentions hearing that Arianna got an internship at DiMera which she confirms. Arianna asks if Gabi also told him that she tried to make her turn it down. Rafe confirms he heard that too. Arianna questions what Gabi is worried about when she’s just going to be in the mail room. Arianna remarks that she and Kate both thought Gabi was being ridiculous. Rafe then questions what Kate has to do with this.

Kate comments that being in the public eye can bring out the crazies and it comes with the territory. Marlena asks what’s going on. Roman explains that Stephanie have been receiving some alarmingly personal fan mail. Kate calls them more like love letters and says that Steve has been on high alert. Roman brings up Steve camping out at Stephanie and Alex’s apartment. Kate assures that they are taking it seriously by increasing security. Roman says it’s still wearing on Steve, especially since he’s basically running Black Patch on his own, so he’s under a lot of stress. Marlena then steps away to get some water.

After eating dinner, Steve admits to Alex that he was skeptical of his lasagna but he hit out of the park. Alex admits he completely destroyed his first attempt. Steve tells him that he did Adrienne proud. Steve knows he hasn’t made things easy on him when it comes to Stephanie. Alex gets that he’s protecting his daughter. Steve wants to thank Alex for taking good care of Stephanie and he’s glad that she has him in her life. Alex says that means a lot and thanks him. Alex says he loves Stephanie and would do anything for her which Steve says is music to his ears. Kayla and Stephanie come in and thank them for an amazing dinner. They wish a merry Christmas as Steve and Kayla exit together. Steve calls out to remind them to lock all of the locks. Stephanie then jumps in to Alex’s arms as they kiss.

Arianna informs Rafe that Kate helped her get the internship since she wanted to work for Titan but they weren’t taking interns, so Kate helped her get the internship at DiMera. Rafe calls that nice of her. Arianna asks what the problem is. Rafe responds that he’s just surprised since Titan is DiMera’s competition. Arianna points out that Kate used to work there and is close with Chad, so she knows just as much about the company as anyone else.

Roman goes to Marlena and apologizes, hoping he didn’t ruin her night. Marlena assures that he didn’t and that she’s so grateful that he included her in this. Marlena says it was just the mention of Steve having to run Black Patch on his own that really triggered her. Marlena knows nobody mentioned John’s name but that is the reason that Steve has to work alone. Marlena cries that it’s so hard and apologizes for falling apart. Roman tells her no more apologizing and that he’s always there for her. Roman hugs Marlena as she cries while Kate looks over at them. Lucas tells Kate that he got a text from Allie, sending her love and wishing a merry Christmas. Lucas asks if Kate’s okay. Kate says she’s good.

Philip understands that Gabi loved Stefan and thought she lost him once before, so he’s sure this brings back a lot of memories. Gabi apologizes as she’s sure her ex is the last thing Philip wants to hear about on Christmas. Philip is glad she’s sharing it with him and asks what he can do to help. Gabi responds that he’s already doing it as he hugs her. Gabi mentions leaving Arianna and Rafe at home and she doesn’t think she’s ready to go back yet, so Philip invites her back to his place to watch a movie or just talk. Philip jokes that they can order the entire dessert menu from room service. Gabi agrees that she’d like that, so they head in to the Salem Inn together.

Alex asks Stephanie if they are really all alone for Christmas. Stephanie jokes that’s if he doesn’t count the armed policeman in the hallway. Stephanie thanks Alex for her Christmas gift of a signed copy of Payment Deferred by C.S. Forester. Alex remembers her saying how much she liked it as Stephanie says mystery is her favorite in fiction. Alex gives Stephanie another gift that he says couldn’t be opened in front of her parents while Stephanie says she got him something too for a little late night fun. Alex jokes that they can recreate something from her book while Stephanie suggests they start writing their own story together.

Steve and Kayla walk through the town square. Steve says it was clever of her how she smuggled him out of Stephanie’s apartment. Kayla says she wanted some time with him. Steve mentions talking to Tripp and Joey about how excited they are to travel to China for Tripp and Wendy’s wedding. Kayla wishes they were there but says there are some perks of going home with her husband. Steve points out that they are under the mistletoe and it’s still Christmas. They wish each other a merry Christmas as they kiss.

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Days Update Friday, December 26, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

At the Horton house, Jeremy helps Julie set up for Christmas. Julie thanks him for helping as Jeremy says he’s missed this tradition. Julie is glad they could carry on the tradition as she didn’t think they would have much of a Christmas with Chad and the others missing. Jeremy says them being found is reason to celebrate. Julie notes that now they still have to face the custody battle. Jeremy says that will be tough no matter who wins, but at least Jack and Jennifer are bringing the kids back for the holidays. Julie remarks that with any luck, Jennifer and Chad won’t kill each other.

JJ goes to the hospital to see Chad and they embrace. JJ tells him that as soon as he heard Chad was back and that Theo was in the hospital, he got on the first flight and came straight there. Chad talks about how he can’t wait to see his kids again. JJ assures that they were really happy to hear he’s okay. Chad adds that it’s hard to be happy with Theo hurt so bad. JJ mentions that he was just in Theo’s room. JJ talks about how it brought back memories of watching Theo fight for his life after he shot him.

Eli and Lani walk through the town square. Lani says she hated leaving Paulina and Abe when they are so worried about Theo. Eli reminds her that they want them to enjoy their holiday with their twins. Lani hopes for a Christmas miracle like they had when Jules and Carver were born. Eli calls that the best ever and can’t believe their twins are another year older. Lani says time flies when having fun and watching them grow up has been the most rewarding time of their life as they kiss.

Sarah goes home to the Kiriakis Mansion and wishes Maggie a merry Christmas. Sarah wants to take Victoria to the town square to see the big Christmas tree. Maggie says she’d love to join her but she still has presents to wrap to get to Julie’s. Sarah says she will just meet her there then. Sarah asks what Maggie was reading when she walked in. Maggie reveals it’s a manuscript for an upcoming novel titled “One Rainy Afternoon” by Bonnie Lockhart.

Lani tells Eli what an amazing man and husband he is. Lani talks about everything he did to bring Theo and the DiMeras home safely. Eli credits Rafe and his partner for breaking the case wide open. Lani jokes about his fake humble act. Lani decides they will go get the twins and get to Julie’s. Eli brings Lani to underneath the mistletoe as they kiss.

Sarah questions Maggie about Bonnie writing a romance novel. Maggie says it seems that Anastasia Sands inspired her. Maggie asks about work and if there’s any news on Theo. Sarah responds that he’s stable but still unconscious. Maggie calls it sad and says her heart goes out to Abe. Sarah is thankful that Kristen is doing better and none of the other kidnap victims were harmed. Maggie mentions speaking to Julie and that she’s thrilled that Chad was found alright. Sarah mentions seeing him at the hospital for a few minutes and he seemed in good spirits. Maggie says that’s probably because he will see his kids soon since apparently Jack and Jennifer are driving back from Boston with them. Sarah says that must be awkward with the custody suit. Sarah adds that she’s glad she and Xander don’t have to fight it out over Victoria over the holidays. Maggie agrees that Xander has been surprisingly mature. Sarah admits she wasn’t expecting Xander to do what she asked, but he’s doing the right thing for his daughter and stepping aside.

Chad knows it must be hard for JJ to relive those memories but encourages that Theo pulled through once, so he will pull through again. JJ talks about Theo forgiving him and they got close, but when he rejoined the police force, he screwed all that up. Chad argues that JJ made the best decision for him. JJ thinks deep down, he knew it would make Theo angry but he pushed it all down like he pushed Theo away and messed up their friendship. Chad encourages that they worked it out once, so they’ll do it again. JJ hopes that he gets the chance.

Xander goes to the Kiriakis Mansion with a big present. Maggie tells him that he wasted a trip since Sarah is not there. Xander reveals that he knows as he waited her to leave. Xander then informs Maggie that the gift is for her and wishes her a merry Christmas.

Sarah walks Victoria through the town square and runs in to Brady. They wish each other a merry Christmas. Brady thought Sarah would be at Julie’s already. Sarah says they are on their way but she wanted to show Victoria the Christmas tree. Sarah asks how Rachel is. Brady says she’s good and baking cookies with Marlena, so he came to get her favorite dinner because they didn’t know she would be home. Brady calls it the best Christmas present he could’ve gotten.

JJ promises Chad that Jack and Jennifer only took the kids to Boston to keep them safe and he tagged along to protect them. Chad assures that he knows they just want to do what’s best for the kids, even if they don’t agree on what that is. Chad adds that he will never let anyone take his children away from him. JJ says nothing will be resolved today and it’s Christmas, so he suggests they head home.

Julie finishes a call with Hope, who is on a trip to Hawaii with Bo. Jennifer and Jack then return home with Thomas and Charlotte. They wish each other a merry Christmas. Thomas asks where Chad is. Julie says he’ll be right along and he will be so happy that they’ve come home. Julie gives them cookies. Chad and JJ then arrive. Chad wishes them a merry Christmas. Charlotte rushes up and hugs Chad and then Thomas does the same. Chad says he missed them and loves them so much.

Sarah tells Brady that she checked on Kristen before she left the hospital and she seemed to be doing much better. Brady is sure the visit from Rachel helped a lot. Sarah hopes that she doesn’t have a setback when she goes to prison. Brady reveals that’s actually not going to happen as Kristen has decided to recant her statement. Brady states that Kristen planned to take that secret to the grave, but Rachel is determined to tell the truth that she’s the one who shot EJ. Sarah is surprised and asks how Brady feels about that. Brady thinks he’s proud of Rachel for owning up to what she did and calls it really brave of her. Brady adds that Kristen also did something brave and selfless by going to prison to protect her daughter and he didn’t think she had that in her. Sarah talks about being a parent changing you and how she’s witnessing that with Xander. Brady asks how that’s going. Sarah says that Xander agreed to stay away from her and Victoria, which she didn’t think he had in him either.

Xander tells Maggie to go ahead and open her gift. Maggie feels he’s trying to butter her up but says it won’t work. Maggie says that she tolerates him for the sake of the company. Xander tells Maggie to open the gift and if she doesn’t like it, she can give it right back or throw it in the trash. Maggie then opens the gift, revealing a brand new portrait of Victor.

Jeremy asks JJ how everything is. JJ says that Jack and Jennifer are pretty tense, so they should brace themselves for an awkward family dinner. Jeremy suggests maybe they just need a chance to hedge everything out first. JJ says he’ll try to help that along. Jeremy takes Thomas and Charlotte upstairs to play Mario Kart. JJ then takes Julie to join them. Jennifer tells Chad that the kids were so excited to have him back. Chad says he missed them very much. Jennifer is sorry they didn’t get them there to greet him when he got home. Jack blames the holiday traffic. Chad says it’s okay as Julie and JJ told him why they took the kids and he thanks them for taking such good care of them while he was going through all of this. Jennifer says they really were so worried about him and prayed every night for him to come home. Jack adds that Thomas cried himself to sleep every night that Chad was missing, afraid that he might not see him again or be able to tell him how much he loves him. Jack states that seeing how upset the kids were when they heard what happened to him made them think that maybe they are going about the whole custody situation all wrong and maybe there’s another way to do it where they can all get on the same page. Chad says with trying to take his kids away, there’s no real middle ground. Jennifer says they will never know if they take it to court. Chad asks what they suggest. Jennifer says that Justin proposed taking it to mediation. Jack says it will still be legal but maybe it would bring about a third option. Chad says he appreciates that but there is no world where he will be okay with any outcome where his kids are not with him. Eli and Lani arrive and tell them that the twins are asleep and joke about Johnny and Chanel tiring them out instead of the other way around. Jeremy and JJ return so Chad asks about the Mario Kart game. They tell him that they lost but Julie is still going strong, so Chad goes to check on them. Jack decides he’s ready for egg nog, so he and Eli go to get some. Lani notes that JJ was really quiet at the hospital. JJ didn’t think her family needed to hear from him, since the last time Theo was fighting for his life like that was because of him. Lani says she’s been where he is and shot an innocent man in the line of duty which is something you never get over. Lani encourages that he’s not alone and she’s there if he ever needs someone to talk to. JJ thanks her and says he really appreciates her saying that. Eli thanks Jeremy for staying with Julie the past few months since it’s been tough on her with Doug III moving out. Lucas then arrives. Jennifer hugs him and says she’s so glad he’s there.

Maggie tells Xander that she doesn’t know what to say. Xander says she doesn’t have to say anything and it’s the least he could do after destroying the old portrait which hurt Maggie and took away something that gave her comfort. Maggie admits the loss was less after finding out the truth about Konstantin. Xander says this portrait isn’t tainted by him, so he hopes it just reminds her of Victor. Maggie tearfully thanks him and admits it means a lot to her as she misses Victor so much. Xander admits he does too, despite everything that happened between them. Maggie hopes he knows that Victor loved him very much.

Brady jokes with Sarah about having complicated feelings about their exes. Sarah says it would be easier if they just hated them. Brady asks how Sarah is doing with the first Christmas since divorcing. Sarah says it’s not like she and Xander haven’t been there before. Sarah notes that the divorce isn’t finalized yet but she knows in her heart and soul that the marriage is truly over. Brady says it sounds like she’s made peace with it. Sarah thinks Xander not fighting her for custody is making it easier and taken a load off her mind. Sarah adds that the other thing that’s been making it easier is Brady. Sarah admits his friendship has been her rock the last few months. Brady says he could say the same about her.

Julie returns to the living room with Thomas and Charlotte as they joke about their game of Mario Kart. Julie then goes to get more cookies from the kitchen as Maggie arrives and wishes them all a merry Christmas. Julie asks where Victoria is. Maggie is surprised Sarah isn’t there as they left way before her and wonders what’s keeping them.

Brady tells Sarah that he should get back to Marlena’s before Rachel wonders where he is. Sarah says they’ll be late to Julie’s also. They wish each other a merry Christmas. Victoria drops a toy so Brady picks it up for her. Sarah then points out that they are under the mistletoe, so she and Brady kiss.

Maggie tells Julie about Xander surprising her with a new portrait of Victor. Julie brings Thomas and Charlotte the next plate of cookies. Julie says it warms her heart to see all their faces here. Julie notes that only Shawn had to work but he will come over after. Jennifer is happy that JJ and Lucas joined them. Lucas talks about his excitement for dinner. Julie says there’s so many wonderful faces there and points out Chad being with them as one of the luckiest events. Jennifer tells Chad that they are happy and grateful that he’s home, so they toast to Chad. Sarah then arrives with Victoria. Maggie asks if they got stuck in traffic. Sarah says she just got a little distracted. Julie says they are just in time to hang the ornaments. Julie didn’t think they would have a very merry Christmas this year because so many of them were absent, but Eli and Lani reminded her that in the bleakest of times, they need their traditions most. Julie calls it a blessing for them all to be together and hang the ornaments on the tree in the home where they’ve all shared, learned, and loved so much. Julie talks about every ornament having a name on it that represents life, some that are gone forever and some that are just beginning. Julie calls it a tradition that makes them family and that’s what they celebrate on all the days of their lives. Charlotte exclaims that she wants to hang her ornament, so Chad brings her and Thomas to the tree and they hang their ornaments along with Abigail’s. Jack, Jennifer, and JJ hang their ornaments next and they all hug. Eli and Lani hang their ornaments along with the ornaments for their twins Jules and Carver. Jeremy hangs his ornament along with his dad Mike’s. Lucas hangs his and Bill’s. Maggie then hangs her ornament along with Mickey and Victor’s next to Doug and Julie’s.

Xander hangs the new portrait of Victor at the Kiriakis Mansion.

Sarah picks up the ornaments for her and Victoria, but leaves behind Xander’s ornament.

Xander looks up at the portrait of Victor and then sees a framed photo of Sarah and Victoria on the mantle which makes him emotional.

Sarah hangs her and Victoria’s ornaments on the tree. The rest of the tree is filled with ornaments for Belle, Shawn, Laura, Hope, Ciara, Bo, and Zack. Thomas and Charlotte hang ornaments for Stephanie and Arianna as Julie hugs them. Julie asks if that’s everyone. JJ jokes that he doesn’t think they could fit anymore. Julie says there’s always room for one more. Eli thinks it looks great but points out that they are forgetting one very special tradition, they have to sing. Julie says Doug would be so pleased that he remembered. Thomas asks what they should sing. Chad asks what was Doug’s favorite carol. Julie thinks Doug would like them to sing Thomas’s favorite carol, so Chad tells him to take it away. Thomas then begins singing Silent Night and they all join in.

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Days Update Thursday, December 25, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

At the hospital, Chad asks EJ if there’s any update on Theo. EJ says he hasn’t woken up yet but he’s praying that he will and asks how Kristen is. Chad says she’s doing better. Chad asks if any decision has been made on whether or not to keep Peter on life support. EJ says no but they need to let his doctors know soon. Chad says Kristen will need to weigh in on that. EJ agrees but says at the moment, he thinks it might be too much to ask of her.

Sarah checks on Kristen in her hospital room. Sarah tells her that with some antibiotics and a little bit of rest, she should be back on her feet in no time. Kristen remarks that she’ll be back on her feet and going nowhere. Sarah says that despite the circumstances, what Kristen did was heroic as she saved her family. Kristen responds that Peter is her family too and asks how he’s doing. Sarah says there’s been no change. Kristen clarifies that she wasn’t trying to kill Peter and was just trying to stop him from hurting anyone. Sarah points out that she did that and now because of that, Abe is back with Theo and Chad is being reunited with his kids. Kristen remarks that her child is at Bayview. Kristen tells Sarah that she tried to reach Rachel but they said it was past call hours. Kristen asks if they can try again now or if she can just get a message to Rachel to let her know she’s there and didn’t abandon her. Sarah agrees to see what she can do.

Johnny finishes a call at home and says he’ll send along his well wishes to Theo and his family. Johnny tells Chanel that was an old friend of Theo’s from South Africa and his phone has been ringing nonstop. Chanel says Theo had a lot of friends. Johnny’s phone rings again so Chanel says she can take Trey with her to the hospital if he wants to stay and answer calls but Johnny says he wants to be with his family as this is Trey’s first Christmas and he wants it to be special, so they are all going to go see Theo together.

Abe and Paulina are at Theo’s side at the hospital. Abe tells Paulina that she can go home to rest but Paulina refuses to go anywhere and declares that she will stay here with him until Theo opens his eyes.

Brady goes to the hospital with flowers and sees Sarah. They wish each other a Merry Christmas. Brady asks how she’s doing. Sarah says it’s been a little nuts around here. Brady says the flowers are for Kristen and asks how she’s doing. Sarah responds that physically she’s fine, but mentally and emotionally she’s been through a lot as she knows Rachel is at Bayview. Brady says it has to be killing her. Sarah says that Rachel must be thrilled that her mom is back. Brady says he hasn’t told her yet but she said that’s all she wants for Christmas. Brady adds that he’s going to see Rachel next but had to see Kristen first.

Rachel is in her room at Bayview and complains that this Christmas sucks. Marlena then arrives to surprise her and says she thinks they can do something about that. Rachel excitedly runs to hug Marlena and tells her how much she missed her. Marlena says now that she’s out of the hospital, they can spend a lot more time together. Rachel wishes they could do it at home. Marlena says she knows, but that she has a very special Christmas present for her.

EJ tells Chad that he’s sorry his kids aren’t there. Chad understands Jack and Jennifer taking them to Boston because of all the danger around here. Chad says there’s a snowstorm there, so the earliest he could get a flight out is tomorrow afternoon, otherwise he’d be on a flight now. EJ asks if Jennifer plans to continue pursuing the ridiculous custody battle. Chad guesses they will find out.

Brady goes to visit Kristen in her hospital room and brings her flowers, saying he’s very sorry for everything she went through. Kristen says to forget about her as she needs to know about Rachel. Kristen questions how Brady could let their girl go to Bayview. Brady tries to explain that she’s getting help and that he hates it as much as she does. Brady admits there were signs that he should’ve seen but didn’t. Kristen acknowledges that it’s not all on him. Brady agrees that part of the reason he failed their little girl is because he was kept in the dark. Brady asks Kristen why she didn’t tell him the truth.

Chad goes to the town square and runs in to Cat, who is shocked to see him.

Abe and Paulina talk to Theo about extending Christmas so they can all celebrate together when he comes home.

Johnny and Chanel arrive at the hospital with baby Trey where they see EJ seated in the waiting area. Chanel decides to take Trey to the gift shop to find something for Theo while Johnny approaches EJ. Johnny tells EJ that he’s glad he’s okay.

Brady tells Kristen that Rachel is his daughter too and she didn’t trust him to protect her. Kristen argues that what happened with EJ was too much and she couldn’t put that weight on him. Brady questions putting it all on herself and letting him believe she was a monster that put Rachel through hell for nothing. Kristen says she’d rather that than have him look at Rachel differently. Brady argues that they’ve deal with Rachel’s behavior issues for years and he loves her just as much. Kristen says it’s not about loving her and compares it to how she loves Peter, but what he did in the crypt changes how she looks at him. Brady says it’s not the same. Kristen asks how it’s different, pointing out that Rachel picked up a gun and pointed it at her uncle EJ. Kristen argues that she would do anything for their daughter. Brady says part of him is really upset at Kristen for making this enormous decision on her own, but part of him is really grateful.

EJ tells Johnny that when he was in the crypt, he kept replaying their last conversation. Johnny admits he did too and he’s glad they are talking now. EJ brings up Rita telling him that he agreed to take the reins at DiMera and they are very grateful. Johnny insists that it’s only temporary until Theo recovers. EJ understands but points out that Theo is facing a long recovery so Johnny may be needed as CEO longer than anticipated, so he hopes Johnny is willing to stick around. Johnny agrees to do whatever it takes to help the family. Johnny brings up EJ being back now. EJ says he will support him however he wants. Johnny says he appreciates that and wishes EJ a merry Christmas. EJ wishes him a merry Christmas as well.

Paulina gets a call and steps out to answer it. Abe remains at Theo’s side and recalls praying he would wake up when he was shot and he did. Abe calls that a Christmas miracle and tearfully prays for another one.

Chanel runs in to Sarah at the hospital with Trey. Sarah asks how she is since she knows it’s really hard to wait for test results. Chanel doesn’t want to jump to conclusions but she’s pretty sure she knows what the results are going to be. Chanel says she’s trying her best to pretend everything’s fine but admits it’s really hard. Sarah knows she doesn’t want to tell Paulina and Abe while Theo is in the hospital, but suggests telling Johnny but Chanel says not on Christmas and not until she knows what’s going on with her as there’s no reason to make him worry too.

Cat rushes up to Chad and hugs her, saying thank God that he’s okay. Chad admits he thought about her a lot and was really hoping he’d get to see her again.

Marlena brings Rachel to the hospital. Rachel tells her that she can’t believe she gets to go home for Christmas and thanks Marlena. Rachel then sees Sarah, who says it’s so good to see her. Sarah says she got her letter and it meant a lot to her. Rachel apologizes for what she did. Sarah says she knows and assures they are all good. Sarah asks what they are up to. Rachel responds that she’s going home for Christmas. Sarah excitedly says she knows that will make some people very happy.

Kristen understands why Brady would be angry but says she needs to know how Rachel is doing. Brady says that she hates being at Bayview but her doctors are encouraged that she’s starting to open up in therapy and respond to medications, so she’s making progress. Brady adds that he’s made headway on the legal front and told Belle everything that’s going on. Brady assures Kristen that Belle understands that Kristen only confessed to protect Rachel and since the case is closed, Belle is under no pressure to file new charges. Brady says there’s a good chance the case will be sealed with Rachel being a minor. Kristen stops him and declares that there is no way Rachel will ever come forward and that she will not recant. Kristen states that she is going from here back to prison and he will tell Belle to do nothing about it. Brady says he can’t do that because Rachel knows that Kristen went to prison for something she didn’t do and remembers what happened. Kristen argues that she will convince her. Kristen tells Brady that she will not have Rachel be judged like her family has been. Kristen says she was afraid of what Brady would think of Rachel if he knew the truth, but she’s more afraid of what the world will think. Brady repeats there’s a good chance her record will be sealed. Kristen complains that this is Salem and it will get out in two seconds ruining their daughter’s future. Brady questions Kristen going back to prison for something she didn’t do. Kristen says if it means protecting her daughter, she is. Sarah then comes in and asks for a moment with Brady. Brady says it’s not a good time but Sarah says it’s important. Brady tells Kristen they are not done here as he exits with Sarah.

Marlena tells Rachel that they are about to read the Christmas story at the hospital and then they will head home together. Rachel complains that it would be better if she didn’t have to go back to Bayview tonight. Marlena encourages taking it one moment at a time. Marlena says the fun may start sooner than she thought as Brady approaches. Rachel excitedly rushes up to hug him. Marlena hopes he’s not upset that she did this without asking him first. Brady says not at all, but points out that he asked for a pass for today but they denied it, so he asks how Marlena managed it. Marlena explains that the medical director at Bayview is a longtime colleague, so she asked for a one day pass and they agreed. Brady says he’s so thrilled to have her here and thanks Marlena for making that happen. Rachel asks Brady to come see the Christmas decorations. Brady says first he has to tell her something that’s actually great news.

Paulina returns to Abe in Theo’s room. Abe asks if she’s alright. Paulina says they are preparing for the Christmas story and that she found some people to say hi to Theo as she brings in Johnny and Chanel. Chanel brought flowers and encourages Theo to come back to them. Johnny talks about keeping the CEO spot warm for him until he gets back. Paulina says they can talk about that later and focus on giving Theo all the positive healing energy.

Brady returns to Kristen’s room with Rachel. Rachel runs in to Kristen’s arms and they both cry as they embrace. Kristen calls this the best Christms present. Brady says he’ll give them some time alone. Kristen thanks him as he exits.

Cat asks how Chad is. Chad says he’s not bad for being stuck in a crypt. Chad calls it hell and says they weren’t sure they would ever make it out, but it did give him a lot of time to think on his life and his choices. Chad reiterates that as much as he wanted to see Cat again, he can’t lose his kids. Cat assures that she completely understands. Chad says he’s getting pastries for everyone at the hospital while Cat says she has so many things to do. Cat wishes Chad a merry Christmas and walks away.

Marlena approaches the Christmas tree at the hospital and gets emotional until Brady returns and tells her that Kristen and Rachel are having some mom and daughter time. Brady comments on the moment when they saw each other and that it was adorable. Brady thanks Marlena for making it happen. Marlena calls it her pleasure. Brady notes that Rachel’s doctors say she’s making progress, so he’s hoping to have her home for good soon. Marlena asks if Brady is coming by for Christmas. Brady assures that he wouldn’t miss it. Marlena acknowledges that it won’t be the same and a lot sadder without John there but she realizes she feels John around her all the time.

Kristen asks how Rachel is. Rachel says she’s fine and asks about her. Kristen says she’s wonderful now that she’s here. Rachel asks if she was scared while she was away. Kristen admits she was a little bit, but she kept thinking about her. Kristen asks if Rachel is scared at Bayview. Rachel says she is a little but she thinks about how brave and strong Kristen is and that helps her. Kristen mentions that Brady says she’s getting better. Rachel responds that she’ll get better even faster now that Kristen is home. Rachel brings up everyone saying she ran away from prison which Kristen assures is not true. Kristen tells Rachel that she loves her and will never leave her if she didn’t have to.

Marlena tells Brady that she’s going to check on Theo while Rachel is with Kristen. Brady says he’ll be there. Sarah then comes back over to Brady and says that Rachel seemed a little uneasy around her so she decided to give them space. Sarah mentions that Rachel apologized to her again and she assured her again that everything between them is fine. Brady is sure that will help with her healing. Sarah says she’s sure being home with everyone for the holidays will be good for her as well. Brady calls it Marlena magic. Brady asks if Sarah is going to get to be home with Victoria. Sarah confirms that she will be leaving after the reading of the Christmas story, even if EJ is the one reading it this year. Cat arrives at the hospital and brings EJ a coffee from the bakery. Cat tells EJ that she’s glad to see him back as they were all worried. EJ says whenever he’s down, he always bounces back stronger than before. EJ wishes Cat a merry Christmas and says she didn’t have to come to work today. Cat says she wanted to see him and make sure he had everything he needs. EJ acknowledges her going above and beyond and says he’s very lucky to have her. EJ hugs Cat as Chad arrives at the hospital and sees them.

Rachel tells Kristen that she’s sorry as she never wanted her to go to prison for something she did. Kristen says it’s not her fault as it was her choice. Kristen wishes she could’ve spared her going to Bayview. Rachel says it’s okay and she’s going to get better so much faster now that Kristen is coming home. Kristen then informs Rachel that she isn’t going back home as she has to go back to prison. Rachel questions why. Kristen explains that she confessed to a crime, so she has to serve out her sentence. Rachel cries that she will tell them she did it and they can take her to prison instead. Kristen tells her no but Rachel declares that she won’t let her go back to prison.

EJ welcomes the kids to the Salem University Hospital annual Christmas party and begins to read the Christmas story. Paulina, Abe, Marlena, Johnny, and Chanel look on from nearby. Paulina remarks that the Christmas story is being read by the devil himself. Johnny comments that Trey is excited to hear it. Abe thanks Marlena for looking in on Theo. Sarah comes over and pulls Chanel aside to inform her that her test results are in.

Kristen tells Rachel that she doesn’t have to worry and she will handle it. Rachel insists that she can’t go back. Kristen reminds her that she can visit. Brady comes back in and asks what’s wrong. Rachel tells him that she doesn’t want Kristen to go back to prison and she wants to tell the truth about EJ. Rachel pleads with Brady to let her. Brady tells her that they are reading the Christmas story and after the holidays, he and Kristen will have a talk about it. Rachel argues that he can say it in front of her as she doesn’t want any secrets. Rachel asks if Brady thinks Kristen should go back to prison. Brady responds that he doesn’t and he thinks the truth should come out that what happened to EJ was an accident. Kristen worries that not everyone will believe that. Rachel doesn’t care as she wants to tell the truth and calls it her choice. Kristen tells Brady that this can’t be Rachel’s decision as she’s just a child. Brady tells her that Belle said their office handles cases with minors very gently. Brady knows they all want to protect Rachel, but she wants to tell the truth and he thinks it’s right for both of them. Brady adds that Kristen should not be in prison for something she didn’t do. Rachel pleads with Kristen to listen to Brady and not go back to prison because she needs her here with her. Brady declares that whatever it is, they will get through it together.

EJ continues reading the Christmas story. Chad and Cat exchange looks. Johnny watches over Trey and realizes Chanel is no longer beside him.

Theo remains unconscious in his hospital bed.

Brady and Kristen hold Rachel’s hands as they sit together.

Chanel returns to Johnny’s side and informs him that her test results just came back, so Johnny asks what they said. Chanel then announces to Johnny that she’s pregnant, shocking him as they hug.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, December 25, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

EJ and Chad went to the hospital to check on Theo and Kristen. They discussed whether they should keep Peter on life supposed. The brothers felt like it was too much for Kristen to decide Peter’s fate. They decided to change the subject. EJ talked to Chad about his children. Chad found out that there was a storm in Boston so Jennifer and Jack couldn’t bring the kids home. EJ wondered if Jennifer would continue suing for custody. Chad said they would find out. Sarah let Kristen know that she would be okay. She called Kristen a hero for saving her family. Kristen said Peter was her family too and that her daughter was at Bayview. She wanted Sarah to get a message to Rachel if she could. Abe and Paulina sat at Theo’s bedside. They let him know that they planned to celebrate Christmas once he was better. Paulina had to take a call and left Theo’s bedside. Abe sat by Theo’s bedside and remembered how he felt when he was shot. He looked up and asked Lexie for a miracle.

Brady ran into Sarah, and he asked her about Kristen’s condition. Sarah told him how she was doing, but he didn’t think she’s doing well emotionally. Kristen knew about Rachel being at Bayview. Brady admitted that he didn’t tell Rachel about her mother. He was going to see her, but he wanted to see Kristen first. After Brady went to see Kristen, she asked him about sending Rachel to Bayview. Brady told her that Rachel needed more help than he could provide. He felt like he failed their daughter because he was kept in the dark about EJ’s shooting. Kristen didn’t want to put the weight of the truth on him. She would rather him think that she was a monster than know that their daughter shot EJ. He was upset with her, but he was also grateful for what she did for Rachel. Marlena went to visit Rachel at Bayview. Rachel was happy to see her. Marlena had a special gift for her. She helped Rachel go home for Christmas. They walked through the hospital and ran into Sarah. Sarah told Rachel that she got the letter and appreciated her for writing it. Rachel couldn’t look her in the face. She said she was sorry for what she did. After talking with Sarah, Rachel was reunited with her parents.

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Days Update Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

At the Horton house, Julie calls Maggie and says she’s sorry for the last minute notice but she hoped for a miracle. Julie declares that for the first time since she’s been on this earth, the Horton Christmas Eve is canceled as she looks over at the empty Christmas tree.

Jada and Rafe go to the DiMera Mansion. Jada thanks Rafe for coming with her and hopes he’s not missing out on Christmas Eve festivities. Rafe says there will be plenty to celebrate soon but this is important as they might find the missing DiMeras. Jada comments on the DiMera Crypt being sealed off but Leo and the groundskeeper both having heard something recently. Rafe responds that they may have been in there the whole time. Rafe then knocks on the front door.

In the DiMera Crypt, Chad tells Peter that he doesn’t have to do this but Peter says he does and wishes them a Merry Christmas. Kristen then knocks Peter out from behind, causing him to drop the vial. Tony picks up the vial while Chad retrieves the key from Peter. Kristen cries over Peter’s body that she’s so sorry. Tony helps Kristen out of the Crypt. Kristen worries about Peter while Tony assures they are going to get help. Theo remains unconscious as Chad tells EJ that they need to get him in to the house. Chad encourages Theo to hang in as he and EJ pick him up.

Julie clarifies to Maggie that Christmas Eve isn’t canceled but postponed because nobody feels like celebrating. Julie doesn’t think another day will make a difference. Julie says they will hang the ornaments when people can get there. Julie says she’s so sorry, sends her love to Victoria and Sarah as she wishes them a merry Christmas and hangs up. Julie sits down and cries that Doug would be so disappointed. Eli and Lani then arrive with Christmas presents in hand, surprising Julie.

In the DiMera Mansion, Rafe and Jada talk about it being a bust as the DiMera staff don’t know anything or are trained not to say. Tony then brings Kristen in through the side door and calls for help as Rafe rushes over. Jada asks if they are hurt. Tony says he’s not but Kristen is sick and badly injured as they sit her down. Rafe rushes out to check the crypt as Jada asks Tony if there’s anything else. EJ and Chad then help Theo in and Rafe helps them lay him onto the couch. EJ asks Theo if he can hear them as he tells him that help is coming. Jada calls in that the five DiMeras have been recovered and two of them need medical assistance. Rafe asks what the hell happened. Kristen tells him that it was Peter Blake. EJ says he tried to kill them. Rafe asks where he is now. Kristen responds that he’s in the Crypt and she thinks she might have killed him. Rafe races out to go check the crypt while Jada asks how Theo got hurt. Chad and EJ explain that he rushed Peter, then fell and hit his head. Jada encourages Theo to hang in there, reminding him that he owes her a trivia night. Chad states that Theo was trying to save all of them. Jada questions how Peter made this happen. EJ says he caught them all by surprise and drugged them. Chad adds that he was going to kill all of them. Tony reveals the vial of gas that Peter planned to use. As the ambulances arrive, Jada talks to Tony outside. Jada says they will check the vial and thinks Tony should get checked out too but he says he’s fine. Jada asks about Tony saying Kristen saved all of their lives. Tony confirms that she attacked Peter. Jada guesses Kristen did not really escape from prison. Tony says that somehow, Peter broke her out and then kidnapped her along with his brothers and Theo.

Julie hugs Eli and Lani and asks why they didn’t tell her they were coming. Eli points out that it is Christmas. Julie says she should’ve known and asks where their twins are. Eli says they are at Abe and Paulina’s but they can’t wait to see her and put their ornaments on the tree. Julie responds that they canceled the festivities this year as it didn’t feel right to celebrate. Eli tells her that the task force is working to find Chad and Theo. Lani assures they will find them. Julie says she’s praying for that every day, not just for their sake but for Thomas and Charlotte who are now with Jack and Jennifer in Boston. Julie is sorry they walked in to an unfestive house. Lani says they didn’t come home for the festivities, but to be with family. Eli says especially Julie. Julie says she’s thankful and grateful as she hugs Eli.

A paramedic checks on Theo as Chad asks if he’s going to be okay. He responds that his vitals are strong but he can’t say for sure until they get him to the hospital. Chad encourages Theo that because of him, they will get to spend Christmas with their families. Chad tells Theo that Abe and his family will be so happy to see him. Chad tells Theo that he has a great life ahead of him and urges him to hang on. Jada comes back in and announces the hazmat team has the vial so they are safe. Jada asks how Kristen is feeling. Kristen responds that she’s alive. EJ says the paramedics cleaned up her wound but she will need antibiotics. Jada says they will get her to the hospital as soon as they can. Kristen asks when she can see her daughter. Jada says one thing at a time. Jada brings up that Tony said Kristen didn’t actually escape from prison but Peter broke her out. Kristen responds that he was a good brother for most of their lives which Tony mocks since he drugged and kidnapped her, then tried to kill her. EJ asks if they can finish the questioning later with Kristen’s attorney present. Jada agrees to go check on the ambulance and Tony exits with her. EJ gets a drink which Kristen asks to have so she can throw it in his face. Kristen complains that she went to prison to protect Rachel because she shot EJ, which EJ says he went along with while Kristen argues that now Rachel is in Bayview and it’s all his fault. Kristen declares that if anyone should’ve died in the crypt, she wishes it would’ve been him.

Rafe, Javi, and a paramedic get Peter on a stretcher out of the crypt. Rafe asks if he’s going to make it. Javi says they aren’t sure and are treating this as a spinal injury. Peter’s heart rate then begins to drop and Javi worries they are losing him. Javi heads inside to the DiMera Mansion. Kristen asks if Peter is dead. Javi says he’s badly injured but he’s alive and on his way to the hospital. Javi adds that Theo is being loaded in the ambulance as well. Chad asks to go with him but Jada says he needs to stay for questioning and they’ll get there as soon as they can. Jada asks where Rafe is. Javi says he’s still in the crypt with the forensics team. Javi says he has to get back to the ambulance but he’s so glad they are all okay as he exits. Chad asks Jada if she and Rafe came here looking for them. Jada confirms that they got a tip from the groundskeeper and Leo hearing a noise. Tony questions them looking for them the whole time. Jada confirms they had a whole multi team task force. Chad remarks that they were right in their own backyard the whole time.

Julie asks Eli and Lani when she gets to see her great grandbabies. Lani says very soon. Eli says they figured they’d be a good distraction for Abe. Julie says they’d be a wonderful distraction for her too. Julie repeats that she’s sorry they came home to an unfestive Christmas. Eli tells her not to worry as they will get the place feeling like Christmas in no time. Julie responds that it already feels a lot more like Christmas to her because she’s with them.

Rafe returns to the living room of the DiMera Mansion and announces the look out for Kristen has been lifted. Kristen asks again when she can see her daughter. Rafe responds that Jada will help her out with that but first, he needs to get everyone’s statements. Rafe starts with EJ and asks him to tell him how he was abducted. EJ questions if Rafe plans to find holes to make it look like he was an accomplice. Chad tells EJ to just tell him what happened. EJ explains that he was in the living room on the phone and felt a jab in his neck, then the next thing he knew, he woke up in the crypt. EJ then asks where his phone is. Rafe reveals it’s in police custody which frustrates EJ. Rafe asks when EJ last spoke to Peter Blake. EJ responds that it was decades ago. Rafe asks if he’s sure about that. EJ questions if Rafe is really going to try and pin this on him and if he thinks he was working with Peter. Rafe responds that they all know what he’s done. Rafe warns EJ that he might not get him now, but he will get him. Jada finishes a call with Abe and says that he and Paulina are heading to meet Theo at the hospital. Rafe says Abe probably doesn’t know what to think with this news. Jada prays that Theo will pull through. Jada asks Rafe about forensics. Rafe says that they are just getting started but reveals that they did find a hidden camera in the crypt and also a pouch hidden in a planter outside that included a couple of syringes and a burner phone. Jada informs Rafe that Tony told her that Peter injected himself with the antidote to the gas. Jada asks if anything else was found in the crypt. Rafe reveals there were human remains and that Kristen actually knocked Peter out with a femur bone. Jada asks if there’s any idea who the remains belong to. Rafe says they can ask, so he asks the DiMeras. Chad says they found them while trying to dig their way out. Chad adds that Theo had some theories that it could’ve been Dimitri or Stefan. Chad states that none of them know where Dimitri is, but according to Peter, Stefan is dead.

Lani gives Julie a plate of cookies that her twins helped bake. Eli then comes in with boxes of the Christmas ornaments.

Rafe asks if Peter said how Stefan died. Tony says he wouldn’t give any details but mentioned that Vivian confirmed it. EJ says that could mean nothing as they both could be lying. Rafe notes that they had reached out to Vivian to warn Stefan about the abductions but hadn’t heard anything. Jada asks if it’s possible that Vivian was working with Peter because it seems unlikely that Peter did all of this on his own. Chad says it would be Vivian’s M.O. while EJ points out that Peter did say he was inspired by Vivian burying people alive. Chad adds that it was all very personal for Peter. Tony calls it a combination of years of resentment and jealousy. Rafe says they will keep reaching out to Vivian and try to find out if what she said about Stefan is true.

Eli tells Julie that they aren’t going to hang all the Christmas ornaments tonight but maybe a few. Eli hands Alice’s ornament to Julie which she proudly hangs on the tree. Eli then offers her Grandpa Tom’s ornament but Julie asks Eli to do the honors this year. Eli says he would be honored as he hangs the ornament on the tree. Lani then hands Julie’s ornament to her which Julie hangs on the tree. Eli then gives her Doug’s ornament. Julie talks about the holiday not being the same without him but he’s there with them in spirit and all of their hearts as she hangs the ornament on the tree. Eli and Lani hug Julie.

Kristen is brought to the hospital and calls Bayview, asking to talk to Rachel so she can hear her voice and let her know she’s safe, but she is told that it’s past the hour for phone calls and they hang up. Kristen complains that they she just wanted to let Rachel know she was safe. Chad encourages that Kristen will get to talk to her on Christmas. Chad points out that now everyone knows the truth about what she did but Kristen tells Chad that he can’t breathe a word about the shooting to anyone. Chad argues that if the truth doesn’t come out, she’s going back to prison. Kristen says that’s her decision because she needs to protect Rachel. Chad says he understands and asks if she’s sure that’s what she wants. Kristen confirms that it is. Chad is sorry that she’s been through so much with Rachel and now with Peter. Kristen worries that she might have just killed Peter. Chad says it was to save their lives and they are very grateful. Chad says he’s sorry it fell on her to have to do that.

Julie doesn’t know how to thank Eli and Lani. Eli says she doesn’t have to thank them for coming home. Lani says there’s no place they’d rather be. Julie says she can call them at any time of day or night and they answer. Julie says them being so kind to her is such a comfort and kept her strong while Theo and Chad are missing. Lani knows Abe is grateful for her support. Eli assures they will find Theo soon. Julie then gets a call from the hospital and it’s Chad which shocks her. Julie asks where he is and if he’s alright. Chad says they are all at the hospital. Julie asks what happened. Chad says he will fill her in on everything soon and asks if he can talk to Thomas and Charlotte. Julie informs him that Jack and Jennifer took them to Boston for the holidays and to keep them safe because of the disappearances. Julie encourages Chad to call them right away because they’ve all missed him so much. Chad says he’ll talk to her soon. Julie says Eli and Lani are there, so she asks if Theo is with him. Chad informs her that Theo was injured and being treated right now. Julie asks if he’s going to be alright. Chad says they don’t know.

At the hospital, Rafe calls Cat and promises her that Chad is fine. Rafe guesses the tip she got from the groundskeeper really paid off and it will be a good Christmas after all. Chad call Jennifer and thanks her for taking care of his kids. Chad wishes her a Merry Christmas and hangs up. EJ asks Chad if he didn’t get to talk to the kids. Chad says they are out sledding with Jack and that Jennifer will tell them he called. Chad asks EJ if there’s anyone he wants to call like Johnny but EJ says no. Tony comes over and announces that despite being in the Crypt the longest, he got a clean bill of health. Tony says he talked to Anna and she’s on the next plane to Salem. Tony asks if they are alright. Chad says he’s all good while EJ says he’ll be a lot better when he’s home with a hot shower. Jada says she’s afraid they can’t let him do that just yet. Rafe says he needs to come to the station to sign his official statement as to what went down in the Crypt. Chad asks if it can’t wait since it’s Christmas Eve. Jada agrees as long as they all promise not to go anywhere, then it can wait until after Christmas. Chad thanks her and thanks them for never giving up on trying to find them. Rafe says they’re just glad they are all okay and wishes them a Merry Christmas. Rafe and Jada walk away. EJ decides that he’s going to check his office since he’s there and will see them at home. Tony states that as much as they were at each others’ throats, he doesn’t think he would’ve gotten through the ordeal without his brothers as they wish each other a Merry Christmas. Rafe calls Vivian, who reiterates to him that Stefan has died. Rafe says he’s sorry for her loss and that they will be in touch. Jada asks Rafe if it’s true then. Rafe responds that Vivian confirmed what Peter said and claims she’s sending him proof. Rafe says if it checks out, he’s going to have to tell Gabi. Jada asks if he’d like her to come with him. Rafe thanks her but says he should probably tell her himself. Jada points out that they did good tonight. Rafe thanks Jada for her help. Jada says she’s grateful for his. They wish each other a Merry Christmas. Javi comes back over to Chad and tells him that Theo is stable and that Abe and Paulina are in with him. Chad asks about Kristen. Javi says the antibiotics seem to be working on getting her fever down and she will be awaiting transfer back to the prison infirmary. Javi notes that he didn’t say anything about Peter. Chad asks if Peter is alive. Javi says he is barely. Javi asks if Chad knows if Peter has a medical power of attorney or next of kin responsible for making medical decisions. Chad has no idea but guesses it would be Kristen. Javi says that Kristen said she didn’t know either, but some decision need to be made as far as keeping Peter alive.

Julie tells Eli and Lani that she wants to go to the hospital to be there for the Carvers because Christmas is about being there for each other, so they exit together.

EJ enters his lab and approaches the tube in the room. EJ sits at the tube and declares he’s so sorry for what happened.

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Days Update Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Gabi goes to the DiMera Mansion and asks Gwen about wanting to see her. Gwen hands her a drink and wishes her a Merry Christmas Eve.

Javi and Leo wrap presents at home as Leo talks about how his mom used to not bother putting up a Christmas tree. Javi says they will have a proper tree from here on out. Javi can’t believe it will be Trey’s very first Christmas. They talk about it seeming like just yesterday when Javi brought him home. Leo wonders if Trey will like his gifts. Javi says at his age, it’s the thought that counts. Leo says after finishing the presents, they will have to discuss the menu for their wedding reception. Javi talks about planning to ask Rafe to be his best man and asks if Leo gave any thought to who he will ask. Leo says he planned to ask Chad since they have become close, but it’s kind of hard when he has vanished off the planet.

Rafe joins Cat in his office and questions how long she’s been there. Cat says she’s been there all night. Rafe knows Cat is worried about Chad and feels like she has something to prove. Cat tells Rafe that she thinks she has something.

Peter shoves Theo down, causing Theo to hit his head on the ground and begin bleeding. Chad rushes to Theo and questions what Peter has done. Peter reveals a vial and announces it was him behind the kidnappings. Peter says he wasn’t planning to reveal himself so soon, but the end is still the same. Chad asks him what’s in the vial. Peter reveals it’s a gas, so if anyone steps towards him, he will open it and they will all be dead. Kristen and EJ question Peter as to why. Tony calls him a sick son of a bitch. Peter declares that despite how they feel about him, he will be the last one standing.

Javi tells Leo that he’s hoping and praying that Chad makes it home safely, but he’s kind of with EJ missing. Javi calls EJ a greedy sociopath, who threatened to take Leo out as Gwen hinted. Leo feels Gwen was joking which Javi questions. Leo says he’s poked EJ more than once and he can be ruthless, but his bark is worse than his bite so they’ll be fine. Leo insists that he cannot drop the story because EJ has to be held accountable and it’s his responsibility to uncover the truth. Javi worries about anything happening to him. Leo assures that he’s taking all the necessary precautions and what he’s doing has meaning. Leo asks what if he uncovers something that gets Chad and the DiMeras to safety and he ends up saving their lifes. Leo hopes Javi understands why he has to hold EJ’s feet to the fire. Javi jokes that he doesn’t have a fire or EJ’s feet. Leo responds that he does have Gwen.

Gabi knows she and Gwen are somewhat civil, but she doubts that she invited her over for egg nog. Gwen admits she invited her because she needs her help. Gwen explains that it looks like she’s spending Christmas very low key, so she’s going to have to make up for it by going out on New Year’s with a bang which means she will need an outfit that is something very Paris fashion week and a Gabi Chic original. Gabi asks if she’s kidding that she wants her to design a one of a kind outfit in less than a week. Gwen figured she’d be skeptical and offers her a check to help with her decision making. Gwen asks if that’s enough to cover it.

Cat reminds Rafe that he said he spoke to Peter Blake about beefing up his security and asks if Peter mentioned his plans to travel to the states. Rafe says no and asks why. Cat reveals that shortly after Rafe spoke with Peter, someone using one of Peter’s aliases landed in Aremid.

Tony asks Peter if this is all about money and power. Peter responds that it’s about taking control and how the family never showed up for him, so now he’s showing up himself as the forgotten son and soon to be last surviving sibling. Chad calls him a monster. EJ points out that if Peter opens the vial, he would die along with them. Peter says it would be worth it, but reveals that he already took the antidote, so he wishes the rest of them luck.

Gabi tells Gwen that with a budget like this, they can do something pretty special. Gwen is relieved she didn’t ask for more and is glad to know they are on the same page. Gabi remarks that it must be nice to have money to burn. Gwen says that’s thanks to Dimitri’s fortune. Gabi asks if she’s heard anything from Dimitri since they last spoke.

Javi asks Leo if it’s a good idea to refocus his investigation on Gwen when he wanted to rebuild a friendship with her. Leo says times have changed since Gwen is obviously in cahoots with EJ as they were waiting on a package. Javi realizes there’s no talking him out of this. Leo says maybe he can convince Gwen to see the light and pull her out of EJ’s orbit. Leo adds that he’ll just need Gwen to open up to him like she used to and then maybe he can invite her to their wedding. Javi questions it not being about the story, but about inviting his dearest friend to their wedding. Leo clarifies that she’s not his dearest friend anymore since she abused him, but she did warn him about EJ and prevent EJ from hurting him. Javi says it will be their special day and he wants it to be perfect for him, so if he really wants to invite Gwen, he says yes. Leo calls him the best future husband and promises he won’t regret this as they hug.

Rafe guesses Peter paying a visit to that creepy place isn’t that surprising since his mother lives there. Rafe asks if Cat thinks he’s there now.

Kristen questions if Peter hates them this much and if he hates her that much. Peter asks how he could hate someone he barely knows anymore. Chad argues that he doesn’t know him either and that Theo has never hurt anyone in his entire life. Peter mocks Theo being the CEO of DiMera. Tony points out that he brought him on. Peter argues that Theo accepted the position because he’s blinded like everyone else in the family. EJ tells Peter to spare them the diatribe and declares that Peter is the one most ruthless and cunning of them all and the most like Stefano which Peter takes as a compliment. Tony points out that they aren’t the only ones standing in Peter’s way of world domination. EJ asks what about Megan. Chad points out that Megan is still out there. Peter remarks that Megan is too obsessed with Bo to give a damn about their family dynasty and if she showed up, she’d end up in prison. Peter adds that it was really entertaining watching them all believe Stefan could be behind this but he’s afraid that’s impossible as he claims Stefan is dead.

Cat tells Rafe that according to the location, Peter is still in Aremid, but his phone hasn’t been turned on or moved in days. Rafe tries calling him but it goes straight to voicemail. Rafe says he will call intel and asks Cat to call the FBI to send some agents to Rachel Blake’s house.

Leo talks to Javi about their Christmas Eve plans and says they have to postpone because he has to procure information on what exactly EJ and Gwen were waiting for on the night of the gala.

Cat finishes her call with the FBI and tells Rafe that agents are on their way to Rachel Blake’s house. Cat then gets a call from the hospital which turns out to be Leo pretending to be “Dale” from the hospital department of accountability and asks about the delivery made from the gala to the clinic. Cat says some deliveries have been made. Leo says he just wants to make sure the process was followed. Cat asks what he said his name was again. Leo slips up and says it’s Dan. Cat figures it out and says goodbye to Leo. Rafe asks what that was all about. Cat tells him that Leo was trying to trick her in to giving him information about deliveries made to the clinic. Rafe remarks that Leo never quits. Rafe says he will go home and deal with Leo as he tells Cat to go home and be with her family. Cat says not just yet while Rafe reminds her that it’s Christmas Eve. Cat argues that Chad and the rest of the DiMeras deserve to be home for Christmas too and if she was at home, she’d just be thinking about all of this. Cat decides she will go over the witness statements one more time.

Gwen tells Gabi that she has heard nothing from Dimitri and still has no idea where he is. Gabi asks about her going to look for him and if she didn’t see Stefan either. Gwen thought she was over Stefan. Gabi insists that she is completely but she does wonder what he’s up to and with the other DiMeras missing. Gwen assures that their husbands going off the grid has nothing to do with the case of the missing five. Gwen tells Gabi that she does hope Stefan turns up eventually, if Gabi wants him to.

Chad questions Peter saying that Stefan is dead. EJ accuses Peter of lying since Vivian said he’s been living it up. Peter points out that there’s been no reported sightings of Stefan for months and that none of them went to look for him or reached out. Peter comments on no one reaching out unless someone needed an extra vote on the DiMera Board. Peter tells them that when he started to plan their demise, he decided to reach out to Stefan and called Vivian, who told him that he had passed a few months earlier. Tony questions how he died. Peter says he didn’t ask and doesn’t care, but his chat with Vivian gave him the idea of burying them alive and removing Stefano’s sarcophagus to make room for all of them. Chad calls Peter a bastard. EJ asks how he even got in since he had the door sealed. Peter says he had it unsealed and no one ever comes in here so no one will find them. Peter welcomes them to their final resting place.

Gabi tells Gwen that she doesn’t want Stefan to come back, but with time and perspective, she admits her stance on him has softened. Gabi talks about being beyond furious when she found out Stefan slept with Ava while she was in prison and she wanted to hurt him just as much which is why she slept with EJ. Gabi thought it would make her feel better and that two wrong would in this case make a right, but it didn’t and only made things a thousand times worse. Gabi adds that by the time she was ready to forgive Stefan, he wasn’t ready to forgive her. Gwen asks what she expected since she cuckolded Stefan with his own brother. Gabi agrees that it was the ultimate betrayal. Gwen thinks Gabi should consider herself since at least her husband didn’t cheat on her with her best friend who also happens to be a bloke. Gabi agrees as they toast their drinks.

Leo talks to Javi about failing to trick Cat. Leo asks if Javi really has to go in to work on Christmas Eve. Javi says it keeps the first responders busy. They kiss until Rafe comes home and asks what Leo is up to now as he was just with Cat to find out if she knew anything about EJ’s disappearance when she told him that she had just gotten off the phone with Leo, who was impersonating trying to get sensitive information about a delivery and he wants to know why. Leo responds that he feels duty bound to keep his methods under wraps. Rafe warns Leo that this isn’t a game and it’s deadly serious, so he better tell him if he knows anything about the missing DiMeras because their lives could depend on it.

Chad tries to wake Theo up. Kristen talks to Peter about knowing Theo since he was a little boy and that he reminded her of how Peter used to be when he was little. Peter argues that Stefano killed their father and destroyed their mother’s life. Kristen thought they made peace with what he did years ago. Peter complains that everything that went wrong in his life is because of Stefano and this family. Kristen asks what happened to him. Peter brings up EJ kidnapping their mother and declares that everyone in the room knows that EJ is every bit the bastard that Stefano was. Chad tells Peter that if his plan was to get them to turn on EJ, he has failed miserably because EJ would never do this to them and all he’s done is draw them closer together and turn them against him. Kristen declares that she will never turn against Peter as he is her one true brother.

Gwen tells Gabi a story about turning down a man’s proposal in Rome. Gwen says that Leo chastised her for not accepting the proposal. Gabi tells Gwen that Leo is growing on her and she’s actually looking forward to his wedding to Javi, which she calls quite a way to ring in 2026. Gwen declares that she’s happy for Leo which surprises Gabi. Gwen says she’s had time to think about it and realizes she let all her anger out on Leo for he and Dimitri betraying her because he was the one who was there and Dimitri wasn’t. Gabi knows Leo deeply regrets how he torpedoed their friendship because she hears him talking to Javi about it all the time and he really misses her. Gwen admits she misses Leo too and says Gabi can even tell him she said that.

Leo swears to Rafe that he has nothing on the disappearances but he’s interested in EJ’s secret clinic lab because he thinks they are doing something in there. Javi assures that Leo is telling the truth as he was there when he made the call. Leo swears if he could help Rafe in any way, he would. Rafe gets a call from Cat, telling him that she talked to the agents who said Peter was at Rachel Blake’s house but he’s no longer there and only was there for an hour or two. Cat adds that Peter had the caretaker rent him a car and asks if Rafe has any theories on what this means. Rafe says not yet, but with the disappearance of Chad and Theo, and now Peter going off the grid, it feels like they are running out of time.

Kristen repeats to Peter that she would never turn on him after everything they’ve been through. Kristen reminds him that it’s always been them against the world. Kristen adds that everything Peter said about the DiMeras was true, especially EJ. Kristen says that none of the others are her brother. Peter puts Kristen behind him and declares that he will save only her.

Cat tells Rafe that she went back over the witness statements and noticed a DiMera groundskeeper and no one could get a hold of him, so she called him, herself. Rafe argues that she’s an analyst, so she shouldn’t be doing that. Cat tells Rafe that she told him that she was calling on Rafe’s behalf with the FBI and he told her that yesterday, before he left, he heard a strange noise from the ground. Cat says an aerial photo indicated he was working north of the DiMera Crypt. Rafe tells Cat to keep up the good work and hangs up. Leo questions something about a noise coming from the DiMera Crypt and says he was near there himself recently and heard something.

Kristen thanks Peter and says as angry as they have every right to be, they don’t deserve to die. Peter asks if she’s with him on this or not. Kristen says she is with him. Peter says he’s had enough of the rest of them and there’s no stopping this. Peter declares that he will open the vial and wipe the DiMeras off the face of the earth.

Gwen tells Gabi that this has been a bloody smashing time. Gabi agrees that Gwen is a lot of fun. Gwen says that Gabi put her in the Christmas mood. Gabi realizes the time and says she needs to get going as she has a date with Arianna to watch Home Alone and eat popcorn as a family tradition. Gwen notes that Gabi had a lot to drink and offers to have Harold drive her but Gabi says she’ll just take a rideshare. Gwen wishes Gabi a Merry Christmas as they hug. Gabi assures Gwen that the dress she designs for her will be a knockout. Gabi adds that she will tell Leo what she said. Gabi then exits the mansion. Gwen makes a call and says there’s a change of plans as she’s now going to need a date on New Year’s Eve as she has a feeling that she’s going to be invited to a wedding.

Rafe questions Leo being near the DiMera Crypt. Leo explains that it was on Halloween when he was covering the ghost tour.

Peter says as far as family reunions go, this has been one for the books. Chad says he doesn’t have to do this but Peter says he does and wishes them a Merry Christmas. Kristen then knocks Peter out from behind, causing him to drop the vial.

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Days Update Monday, December 22, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Holly meets Tate in the town square. Holly talks about finishing Christmas shopping and asks what Tate needed to see her about. Tate informs her that he’s sorry, but he can’t go to Paris with her.

Belle goes to the Kiriakis Mansion and wishes Brady a Merry Christmas. Brady remarks that it might be the last Christmas in this house because if Titan goes belly up, they will lose Basic Black and Maggie will lose her shares. Belle didn’t know things were so dire. Brady says it has been ever since the DiMera merger dissolved. Brady remarks that business is very low on his list of worries. Belle asks how Rachel is doing at Bayview. Brady responds that he just came from there and she’s miserable that she won’t be home for Christmas.

Marlena sits at home reading until Paulina arrives with cookies. Marlena asks if there’s any word on Theo or the DiMeras. Paulina says she’s afraid not and it’s killing Abe to not know where his son is.

Kristen wants to continue digging as she breaks down crying that she has to get back to her daughter. Chad tells her to stop as her fever is spiking. Peter asks what’s wrong with her. Theo says she has an infection. Kristen insists that she’s fine but then collapses in Chad’s arms. They worry about Kristen burning up. EJ then comes over and questions what’s going on, as he’s then shocked to see Peter.

Holly thought Tate was really excited about going to Paris. Tate says he was and he really wants to go but he just can’t because he didn’t realize how much Brady was struggling to save Christmas for Rachel and she’s so miserable that she can’t be home, so he just doesn’t want to bolt on them. Tate promises they will go to Paris one day but he feels like he has to be there for his family. Tate asks if she understands.

Belle questions Rachel not being able to even come home for Christmas Day. Brady says he tried to get permission for one day but had no luck and says it’s a skeleton crew at Bayview. Belle knows it must be disappointing and asks if Rachel is making any progress. Brady says there was some initial hesitation but she is starting to open up in therapy which Belle calls encouraging. Brady adds that her medication is apparently working. Belle calls that positive news. Brady talks about how he and Tate told her they’d bring Christmas to her but she’s so upset to be spending her favorite holiday there. Belle encourages him. Brady says he’s grateful for the help but complains of being unable to do anything to help his kid. Belle suggests Marlena might be able to help him through this and that he should go talk to her but Brady declares that is not going to happen.

Tony joins EJ and says he can’t believe Peter is there, noting their kidnapper must be really determined to track him down. Peter jokes that he’s late to the family reunion as usual. Peter worries about Kristen as Theo says they need to bring her temperature down. Peter asks what they can do. EJ offers to help but Peter warns him not to touch his sister and accuses EJ of trying to kill them all.

Holly assures Tate that she understands he can’t leave his sister when she’s going through such a tough time as they hug. Tate hates letting Holly down. Holly asks what if Tate spends Christmas with his family and then comes to Paris after. Tate says he’s sorry but he can’t and reveals there’s another reason he has to stay in Salem that doesn’t involve his family.

Marlena tells Paulina that she’s so sorry for them to be going through this. Paulina comments on it being difficult for Marlena and her family too as Belle told her about Rachel. Paulina talks about the criminal justice system not being the place for a ten year old girl and this case is delicate with too many variables, so it can’t look like special treatment. Paulina wishes she could do more. Marlena says it isn’t her job to fix this. Marlena wishes there was some say she could make this Christmas nice for Rachel.

Belle knows Brady is upset with Marlena but asks him to try to put himself in her shoes as she was trying to do what’s best for them. Brady complains that Marlena lied to them for months when she’s supposed to be the one they trust. Belle argues that Marlena made a mistake like any other human and she regrets it so much. Belle asks how he thinks John would feel about Brady turning his back on Marlena. Belle thinks John would expect Brady to be compassionate and forgiving to a woman who has been like a mother to him for his whole life. Belle adds that John would want Brady to be a patriarch and the man in their family. Brady agrees but he can’t help feeling betrayed that Marlena made decisions about his kid all on her own. Belle asks if it ever occurred to him that she didn’t make the decision all on her own, but with Kristen.

EJ guesses Kristen got in Peter’s ear with her half baked theory that he locked himself up with them and questions why he would. Peter calls it the DiMera way to torture them and asks why Kristen would think that in the first place. Peter brings up Kristen feeling she had to shoot him to save their mother. Peter remarks that it’s no wonder they all hate EJ so much. Theo says they don’t. Peter says they should and argues that they all know what EJ is capable of. Peter asks if there’s anyone in the room that EJ hasn’t betrayed. Peter brings up EJ sleeping with Abigail. EJ asks how he knew about that. Peter remarks that he keeps up with the family lore and questions how Chad could forgive EJ for that. Chad admits that he hasn’t.

Holly asks what other reason Tate has to stay in Salem for the holidays. Tate reveals that he’s on academic probation because he missed so many assignments that it tanked his grade to a C-. Holly asks what he’s going to do about it. Tate says he’s going to try to bump his grade during the holiday break. Tate says that since he can’t go to Paris with her, he used the money for two online classes. Holly feels he should’ve told her but Tate explains that he was embarrassed to tell her that he was failing. Holly says he should feel like he can come to her with anything. Tate appreciates that and says it’s fine as he has it all figured out as they hug.

Belle informs Brady that Marlena told her in confidence but Kristen begged her not to tell anyone that Rachel shot EJ. Brady calls it typical of Kristen to keep him in the dark and asks why Marlena agreed to it. Belle explains that Marlena didn’t know Kristen was going to confess and tried to talk her out of it, but Kristen made this big sacrifice to protect Rachel so Marlena felt like she had to go along with it. Brady can’t believe Kristen did that. Belle goes over that Marlena knew Rachel wasn’t mentally ready to handle the truth, so she made sure she had therapy and tried to protect her but then Marlena ended up in the hospital and the whole thing with Sarah triggered Rachel’s memories. Brady argues that Kristen had no right to put Marlena in that position. Belle agrees and reminds Brady that Marlena told her in confidence so she shouldn’t be telling him, but she felt he needed to know. Brady thanks her for letting him know. Belle suggests maybe now he can do something to lift that burden off of her as she thinks it would be good for both of them.

EJ questions Chad still holding a grudge and says that what happened between he and Abigail was ancient history. Chad asks if he’s supposed to forget about it and argues that it’s emblazoned in his brain. Tony argues that they need to stick together. Peter thinks whoever put them here wants them at odds. Theo says he’s not helping. Tony remarks that they all agree EJ is no saint, but whoever put them here has to be one sick son of a bitch. Kristen comes to and complains of everyone being so loud. EJ guesses Peter has been predisposed by Kristen to hate him. Peter responds that he hates EJ because he’s Stefano’s son more than any of them and that Stefano is the reason they are here.

Brady goes to see Marlena and tells her they need to talk.

Holly tells Tate that they still have the rest of the morning so maybe they could do something festive and fun. Holly points out that the dorms are closed while their houses have people at home. Holly then says she has an idea.

Brady informs Marlena that Belle told him it was Kristen’s idea to keep the truth from him and apologizes, saying he should’ve known Marlena wouldn’t have kept Rachel’s secret to herself if it were up to her. Marlena says the only explanation she has for not saying anything is that there was so much going on at the time. Brady says it took him awhile, but he understands now. Marlena is grateful for that. Brady didn’t mean to punish Rachel by keeping them apart. Brady knows Rachel misses her. Marlena says she misses her too, so Brady says he thinks Rachel would love to see her if she’s up for it. Marlena agrees to do all that she can to help Rachel through this. Brady is very blessed to have Marlena in their lives.

Belle goes to see Paulina in her office and wishes her a Merry Christmas while Paulina says there’s nothing that merry about it. Paulina says she was about to check with Jada for any updates but her hopes are not high. Belle says she will keep Theo and the others in her prayers. Paulina asks if that includes EJ. Belle says she and EJ don’t always see eye to eye but she doesn’t want him to die. Paulina admits she doesn’t either, but she’d consider it a Christmas miracle if EJ was found and decided to relocate.

EJ questions how this is Stefano’s fault, reminding Peter that he is dead. Peter argues that Stefano’s influence on the family is alive and well and will never die. Peter says that’s why he was gone for so long. Peter talks about Stefano pitting them against each other and feels EJ loves to emulate him. Peter asks if Theo knew that EJ wants his own son installed as the CEO of DiMera because he doesn’t think Theo can hack it. EJ responds that Peter doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Peter says it would be beneficial for EJ to get Tony and Theo out of the way. Theo argues that he’s not the only one while Kristen agrees that Peter could also be behind it.

Tate and Holly get a room at the Salem Inn and kiss onto the bed.

Brady tells Marlena that Rachel has been asking about her a lot, so she will be so happy that she’s visiting her. Marlena says she’ll be happy to see her too. Marlena knows it must be heartbreaking for Brady to have Rachel at Bayview. Marlena encourages that she’s smart, strong, and will be alright. Brady wishes he was sure about that and admits he’s blaming himself for Rachel’s anger, desperation, and hurting people she cares about. Brady argues that he’s her dad and should’ve seen the signs. Marlena says she missed some signs as well and should’ve realized there might be a genetic component as there were signs of mental illness with Kristen and her mother Rachel Blake. Marlena says it’s possible that it runs in the family but also likely that Rachel will be just fine with their love and support. Marlena promises to be there for Rachel and help her every step of the way.

Belle is sure life would be easier for a lot of people if EJ didn’t live in Salem, but when they are found, she’s sure EJ will go right back to being EJ DiMera and doubts there will be any epiphany. Belle adds that before EJ vanished, she kind of threatened him if he went after Rachel criminally by saying they’d go after him for his hospital negligence. Belle is sure EJ knew it was an empty threat because she can’t prove anything but it would still be bad press which Paulina jokes would be fun for them. Paulina says there may not be criminal liability, but EJ is definitely on her naughty list. Paulina declares that she has other ideas about how justice is served.

Peter argues that Kristen’s fever must be frying her brain. Kristen responds that she remembers when she kicked his ass at chess, he got so mad that he busted the whole set, blamed the staff, and told Stefano that she did it. Peter calls that years ago and ridiculous. Kristen argues that it’s just one example when Peter has been blaming others for the horrible things he’s done. Peter complains that they can’t possibly think he would take all of them hostage. Peter tells Kristen that he loves her and he hardly knows the rest of them. Theo suggests that just made it easier since Peter suddenly shows up after all these years and he’s about ancient grievances and pitting them against each other. Theo agrees with Kristen in thinking Peter is behind this.

Tate and Holly lay together in bed after having sex. Holly doesn’t want to say goodbye to him. Tate talks about learning some French on the way over as they continue kissing.

Brady thanks Marlena for being so kind and generous. Marlena calls him family and says it’s what John would want. Marlena assures they will circle the wagons around Rachel. Brady agrees that John would definitely want that. Marlena doesn’t know how long Rachel will be at Bayview but thinks she needs a sense of family and continuity. Marlena wondered if that means Brady would move back home. Brady responds that he’s so grateful that she opened her house to him, Tate, and Rachel, but it’s definitely time for him to get his own place and he hopes she understands that. Marlena confirms that she does and asks Brady to promise to come back often and for Christmas. Brady agrees but wishes he could bring Rachel with him. Marlena says maybe they could take Christmas to her. Brady says that’s the plan.

Paulina tells Belle that she doesn’t have anything official on EJ but promises her offices will be breathing down EJ’s neck if there’s anything against code at the hospital. Belle asks if Paulina will sue EJ. Paulina says she won’t, but injured parties would have an option. Paulina reveals that she thinks Marlena will sue EJ to expose him as the phony he is. Paulina feels EJ is only making the free clinic to clean up his image, so they will turn the heat up until he hands the hospital over to someone fit to run it.

Peter calls the rest of the DiMeras insane. Theo tells Peter that if it isn’t him, to prove it by emptying his pockets because whoever took them took all their things and must have a weapon if they plan to kill them. EJ and Tony threaten him and then Theo tries to wrestle with Peter himself. Peter then shoves Theo down, causing Theo to hit his head on the ground and begin bleeding. Chad rushes to Theo and questions what Peter has done. Peter reveals a vial and announces it was him behind the kidnappings. Peter says he wasn’t planning to reveal himself so soon, but the end is still the same. Chad asks him what’s in the vial. Peter reveals it’s a gas, so if anyone steps towards him, he will open it and they will all be dead.

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Days Update Friday, December 19, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Gabi goes to her Gabi Chic office and enters with a smile as it’s decorated with flowers.

Kate joins Roman at the Brady Pub as they hug and wish each other a Merry Christmas Eve. Kate gets a table as Arianna arrives and joins her. Kate tells her that she just spoke to the director of communications as DiMera Enterprises and he is interested in her being his intern for the spring semester. Kate is sure everyone will be impressed with her and asks if she’s still interested. Arianna responds that she would be but something else has come up. Johnny arrives and greets Roman. Roman comments on EJ and the others still missing. Johnny calls it difficult times and says he was hoping for some advice if he’s not too busy.

Chanel goes to see Sarah at the hospital to get the results from her last follow up. Sarah reveals that her blood work shows elevated levels of HCG which could indicate the cancer is back.

Chad and Theo talk of being tired of digging and no sleep. They talk about Kristen still burning up with a fever until they notice someone else has been dumped in the crypt.

Philip joins Gabi in her office as she guesses he was the one who brought the flowers and says it’s too much. Philip responds that nothing is too much when it comes to her as they kiss. Philip surprises her with champagne and proposes a toast to her and the future.

Kate asks Arianna what she means that something else came up and she can’t do the internship. Arianna wishes she could but says that Gabi totally freaked out about her working at DiMera. Kate says she should’ve guessed. Arianna complains that every time she really wants something, Gabi goes in to overprotective mode. Kate admits she sees where Gabi is coming from. Arianna doesn’t and questions what Gabi is so worried about as she would just be sorting through mail in the mail room, not planning the downfall of civilization. Kate tells Arianna that if she really wants this internship, she’ll have to change Gabi’s mind, pointing out that if she was an intern at Gabi Chic, she would get labeled as a nepo baby. Roman sits with Johnny and asks what he needs advice on. Johnny tells him that his family members missing has got him freaked out and it’s come to his attention that there’s something he could do to help somewhat. Roman asks how he can help. Johnny informs him that when Theo went missing, EJ came to him to ask him to step in and help run DiMera. Johnny says he told him no, but now EJ is missing and there’s no one left. Roman asks what he’s thinking. Johnny reveals that Rita showed up at his door to beg him to consider taking the CEO position and now he’s kind of thinking he should do it.

Theo and Chad turn over the man dumped in the room as Theo wonders who he is. Kristen gets up and comes over to identify the man as her brother, Peter Blake.

Gabi asks Philip if it’s a bit early for a toast. Philip thought they could put the champagne on ice until after work or indulge after the holidays if she has plans tonight. Gabi says her only plan is work so Philip suggests they take a drive, look at Christmas lights, open the champagne and see where the night leads them. Gabi says she likes the sound of that.

Arianna agrees with Kate that Gabi would understand it would not be good for her to be called a nepo baby. Kate adds that being an intern for her mom won’t help her advance in the real world. Arianna feels her talents would be in doubt if all she ever did was work for Gabi Chic. Arianna calls Kate brilliant. Kate asks what she’s going to do. Arianna says she will just have to talk to Gabi again and convince her that working for Gabi Chic will just hold her back while working at DiMera is what’s best for her future. Roman tells Johnny that he’s done a damn good job keeping his distance from the DiMeras and making his own way, so he questions why get dragged in to their mess now. Johnny insists it would only be temporary and that Rita explained that if DiMera breaking away from Titan isn’t finalized by the end of the year, there could be major tax implications that could cost the company millions. Johnny adds that according to the by laws, the only way DiMera can be divested from the merger is if a DiMera signs off on it which Theo would’ve done by now except he’s gone and so is everyone else but him.

Sarah encourages Chanel not to jump to the worst case scenario as they can’t rule out cancer but shouldn’t assume the worst. Chanel feels it’s the most likely reason for her HCG levels to be elevated. Sarah says she will have the lab rerun her blood work and order additional tests to be sure. Chanel cries that she will try to stay positive as she hates falling apart like this. Chanel worries about not being there for her son as Sarah hugs her.

Theo and Chad help Peter to his feet. He is shocked to see Kristen. Kristen hugs him and says it’s so good to see him. Peter asks where they are. Kristen informs him that it’s the family crypt. Peter asks how he got here. Kristen says the simplest answer is that they’ve all been kidnapped. Chad introduces himself as Peter’s brother and to his nephew, Theo. Peter questions what they are doing here. Theo says they don’t know and just figured they are pawns in someone’s sadistic game.

Sarah tells Chanel that the best thing she can do is try her hardest not to jump to conclusions. Chanel agrees to try and asks when the next results will be in. Sarah says it’s Christmas Eve, so they won’t be available until after the holidays. Sarah knows it’s impossible to keep it out of her mind but advises her to try to enjoy her first Christmas with her son. Chanel says she really wants Trey to have a great first Christmas and that she needs to be strong for Johnny, Abe, and Paulina. Sarah knows it’s a lot and if she needs to talk to anyone, she’s there. Chanel thanks her and says it means a lot.

Roman gets that Johnny wants to pitch in and help his family business. Johnny gets that it worries him, but feels he already has a target on his back for being a DiMera and he doesn’t know if this would make it any bigger. Johnny points out that he does have protection with Salem police tailing him. Roman reminds Johnny that he swore to never get involved in DiMera again. Johnny says he said that to avoid getting sucked in to EJ’s orbit but EJ is not around. Roman warns that Johnny says it’s temporary but asks what if EJ and the others are never found. Johnny responds that he can’t let himself think like that. Johnny asks if Roman is telling him not to take the job. Roman says it’s not his place, but he can guess how he feels. Arianna thanks Kate for her advice. Kate says she’s always here for her and wishes her luck with Gabi. Arianna thinks she’s got this. Kate agrees and asks if it’s alright to give the communications director her contact number. Arianna says definitely, so Kate thinks she’ll be hearing from him real soon.

Gabi still can’t believe Philip went through all this trouble for her. Philip asks why any man wouldn’t go through trouble for her, calling her smart, beautiful, and sexy with a great sense of humor. Philip says this hasn’t been the best year for him, but she’s made it quite bearable. Philip calls Gabi the one wonderful thing to happen to him in a long time and he doesn’t know how he got so lucky. Gabi responds that she’s the lucky one as she kisses him.

Kristen says it’s been so long since she’s seen Peter and wishes it didn’t take this to bring him back to Salem. Peter responds that he would’ve been there earlier when Kristen said their mother was still alive until EJ had her kidnapped. Peter then asks if there’s any chance EJ is behind this. Theo responds that they thought so until EJ got put in there with them. Peter is surprised to learn that EJ is there too. Kristen says Tony is too as Chad points out that they are asleep in the back of the crypt. Peter remarks that it really is a DiMera family reunion. Kristen admits she still thought EJ was responsible even after he got shoved in with them, so he could witness the torture from close up.

Arianna and Kate go over to greet Johnny with Roman. Arianna asks how Trey is. Johnny says he’s great. Arianna says she’ll drop by his apartment later to drop off a present for Trey. Arianna says she will see them later and exits. Roman gets a text that he has a truck in the back. Roman reminds Johnny that it’s his decision but he urges him to think long and hard about it as he walks away. Kate asks Johnny what decision Roman is talking about. Johnny informs her that he’s thinking about taking the CEO position at DiMera, so he was asking for Roman’s advice. Kate then asks if he’s up for some unsolicited advice.

Chanel goes home and breaks down crying.

Kate reminds Johnny that she was once CEO of DiMera Enterprises and she still cares about the company like she does Titan. Kate says that during this period of crisis, it would be a benefit for both companies if Johnny took over at DiMera. Johnny questions how so. Kate explains that Johnny was at Titan long enough to know they are having financial trouble, so right now would be the worst time to take on more debt. Johnny asks what that has to do with him becoming CEO of DiMera. Kate informs him that she’s heard from Xander and Philip that if both companies do not separate by the end of the year, then they will both be taking on millions in debt. Johnny says that Rita filled him on DiMera but he didn’t realize it would affect both companies. Kate confirms it’s true for both companies so he would be helping DiMera and Titan. Johnny points out that if he takes the CEO job at DiMera, he would have to cut ties with Titan, which means when Theo and the others are found, he’s out of a job. Kate promises that Johnny would have his job back at Titan, especially if he saves them millions of dollars that they can’t afford to spare. Johnny comments on the pressure but Kate knows he can handle it.

Kristen complains about being stuck in the crypt and no longer being sure that EJ is behind this nightmare. Peter supposes time will tell. Kristen is sorry that Peter didn’t get to see their mother. Peter reveals that he actually did see her. Kristen says she had no idea. Peter says it was very short but nice and he hoped to see Kristen too, but she was already taken to prison. Peter remarks that he spent so much time in prison already that it’s triggering to be at one now. Peter guesses Theo and Chad don’t know much about him which they confirm. Chad comments that they’ve got all the time in the world to get to know each other now.

Arianna goes to see Gabi at her office. Gabi asks what brings her by. Arianna brought by a plant as an office warming gift but jokes that she doesn’t need it and guesses all the flowers are from Philip. Gabi tells Arianna that she really appreciates it. Arianna says she is very proud of Gabi, but she also brought the plant as a peace offering because she’s taking the internship at DiMera. Gabi starts to argue. Arianna reminds her that she’s an adult, so she doesn’t have control over what she does. Gabi argues that she pays for her school and the roof over her head. Arianna asks if Gabi wants to keep her tied to her for the rest of her life. Gabi says they are talking about an internship in a mail room. Arianna asks what will happen when she graduates and her only job was working for her mom. Arianna argues that they will think she has no talent and it was the only job she could get. Gabi disagrees but Arianna asks how she can be sure and why she can’t just let her do this. Arianna points out everything Gabi achieved without her parents’ help. Arianna says Gabi made her way against the odds and she wants to do the same.

Chad points out that Peter being tossed in helps their original theory in finding out who’s behind this and escaping. Chad says it has to do with their inheritance. Peter points out that if so, that would mean whoever put them in here wants to kill them. Theo says they at least want to put them away for a very long time. Peter notes Theo not being one of Stefano’s sons. Chad points out that Theo is the CEO of DiMera Enterprises, which other than Stefano’s fortune, is the other part of the inheritance. Peter asks what he’s saying. Chad declares that whoever put them in here is one of them.

Johnny goes home and asks Chanel about her appointment. Chanel says it went fine and she’s just waiting on results. Johnny says there is something he needs to tell her. Johnny brings up telling EJ that he was not going back to DiMera, but now that EJ is missing, there’s no one to take over as CEO, so Rita asked him if he would. Chanel questions if he said yes.

Peter questions Chad thinking one of them put them in here and says they mentioned EJ earlier. Theo says they can’t rule him out but there are a couple of other siblings who have fallen out of touch. Chad brings up Megan not being likely to come back because she’d be thrown in prison. Theo states that his money is on Stefan. Peter says he never met Stefan but asks if he’s that greedy to do this to them just to get what he wants. Chad says he would do it in a heartbeat.

Gabi admits Arianna raised some good points. Arianna insists that she wants this really badly. Gabi predicts that Arianna will hate a mail room job and will be bored. Arianna assures that she won’t, but if she does, Gabi can say she told her so. Gabi hopes she won’t have to. Arianna asks if she’s cool with it then. Gabi promises to do her best to be supportive even though she doesn’t like the decision. Arianna jokingly calls it a Christmas miracle. Gabi calls Arianna her miracle and repeats that she doesn’t love this decision, but she is proud of her tenacity and standing her ground on this. Arianna is proud of Gabi for seeing her side and coming around on it. Arianna calls her the best mom anyone could ask for as they hug.

Peter says it sounds like Chad had some major issues with Stefan. Chad confirms he could say that. Peter calls the DiMeras a backstabbing lot. Chad responds that Stefan was the worst of the worst and if he is responsible for this, he hopes he rots in Hell.

Johnny tells Chanel that he hasn’t officially accepted the job because he wanted to talk to her first. Chanel questions what there is to talk about. Chanel argues that DiMeras are disappearing left and right and asks if Johnny really wants to put himself in the crosshairs. Johnny says of course not, but he already is by being a DiMera. Johnny reminds her that they have protection. Chanel questions Johnny wanting to work at DiMera. Johnny says he doesn’t, but right now, someone from the family has to step in. Johnny insists it will only be temporary until Theo gets back where he belongs. Johnny adds that he mainly said no because of EJ but now he’s missing along with the rest of his family. Johnny hates feeling helpless and feels he just needs to do something. Chanel decides she won’t stand in his way. Johnny tells her that he loves her so much as they hug. Chanel suggests he call them to let them know he’s accepting the job which Johnny goes to do.

Kate sits at the Pub and talks on the phone about how she thinks she talked Johnny in to taking the CEO position. Kate insists it’s a good idea and remarks that taking advantage of Johnny’s inexperience could be huge for Titan.

Chad tells Kristen to take a break but Kristen says she can’t until she is back with her daughter. Peter asks how Rachel is. Kristen complains that she just found out she’s in Bayview which Peter questions. Kristen wants to continue digging as she breaks down crying that she has to get back to her daughter. Chad tells her to stop as her fever is spiking. Peter asks what’s wrong with her. Theo says she has an infection. Kristen insists that she’s fine but then collapses in Chad’s arms.

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Days Nitpicks & Flubs For The Week Of December 15, 2025

Nitpicks & Flubs

 

by Michele & Cheryl

Monday

-The pub wasn’t decorated when Gabi and Theo were shown there. It was suddenly decorated when Steve and Kayla were shown.

-Why would the DiMera staff decorate the mansion when the family disappeared? Most of the family was missing so there was no point decorating the place.

-Susan wasn’t giving the person she called a chance to respond before she started talking.

-Javi wore a mask one minute, but it was off the next. Speaking of Javi, why would he stand near Alex without wearing a mask when he thought he was contaminated by a toxin?

-Steve offered to move in with Stephanie and Alex. It would have made more sense for Stephanie to move in with Steve and Kayla instead. The stalker might not know where they live.

Tuesday

-Gabi touched the lid on her pot without an oven mitt. The steam could be shown from under the lid so it was hot.

-Rita botched up. She called Rafe “detective,” but he’s not part of the force anymore.

-Trey was in the living room with Chanel and Johnny when Paulina arrived, he wanted to check on the baby. When did they take Trey out of the room?

Wednesday

-Tate was in Marlena’s living room one minute and walking in the room when Belle came home.

-Belle gave Marlena clothes that didn’t normally wear. The clothes didn’t fit her right so they clearly weren’t hers.

-Is Tony in a coma? Why didn’t he hear his siblings arguing in the crypt?

Thursday

-What are the odds that the person who kidnapped the DiMeras had clothes for them? They also had access to water since they aren’t dirtier than they are.

-When did Stephanie and Alex get so many locks on their door? Their door didn’t have that many locks the last time the apartment was shown.

-Chad and Theo were digging in the crypt, but their hands were clean.

Friday

-Peter was gone before Theo was born so he shouldn’t know he was Lexie’s son.

-Chanel was talking while Roman and Johnny were shown.

-Johnny was at the pub with Roman and Kate, and Chanel walked in the apartment after her appointment with Sarah. Chanel walked into the apartment without talking to Trey’s sitter. Who was watching Trey while Chanel and Johnny were out?

 

 

 

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, December 23, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gabi went to see Gwen because she wanted to see her. Gwen wanted an original dress for the holiday, but Gabi didn’t want to do it. Gwen threw money at her, and Gabi changed her mind. Gabi wondered if she heard from Dimitri. She said that he was missing. Gwen assured her that Dimitri and Stefan being missing didn’t mean anything bad happened. The ladies bonded over their husbands betraying them. They started drinking alcohol. Gabi admitted that Leo was starting to grow on her. Gwen rolled her eyes, and Gabi told her that Leo missed her. Leo and Javi talked about their pasts. They talked about their wedding plans which led to a conversation about the DiMeras and EJ’s threats. Leo refused to back down. Javi was worried about him targeting EJ. Leo thought that it would help Gwen see that she shouldn’t work with him. He hoped he and Gwen would be friends with him again. Cat used Rafe’s computer at the agency. She found out that Peter was in Aremid. They sent agents to check out the lead. Leo called Cat and pretended to get lab info, but it didn’t work. Later Rafe went home to rip into Leo, but Cat called him. She told him that Peter wasn’t in Aremid. She told him that he was only there for a few hours. A DiMera groudskeeper heard noise around the family crypt. After Rafe got off the phone, Leo told him that he heard noises from the family crypt too.

Peter rehashed his poison gas threats while his siblings wondered why he did that to them. He was looking out for himself because the family never cared about him. Peter talked about how ambitious and greedy the family was. He thought Theo was too when he took the CEO position at the company. Tony and EJ reminded him that Megan could be a problem too. Peter wasn’t worried about him because she was obsessed with Bo. He said Stefan was dead. No one heard from Stefan so he called Vivian. Vivian said that Stefan passed away. After learning about Stefan, Peter was inspired to put the family in the crypt. Kristen tried to reason with Peter, but he became angry. She promised not to turn on Peter. Kristen let him know that it was the two of them against the world. Peter told her that she would be the only one he would save. Someone was watching the crypt on camera. Peter wished them a Merry Christmas. Kristen hit Peter on the back of the head.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Julie called Maggie to let her know that Christmas Eve was canceled for the first time ever. She said they would hang the ornaments when everyone was in the mood to celebrate. When she got off the phone, she cried. Eli and Lani showed up at Julie’s house. They told her the twins were looking forward to putting up the ornaments. Eli noticed the tree wasn’t decorated. Julie said the celebration was canceled because it didn’t seem right to celebrate. Julie apologized for the tree not being decorated, but she couldn’t wait to see the twins. Eli said they would get the house looking like Christmas. He found the ornaments and suggested that they hang up a few of them. They put the ornaments on the tree. Julie thanked them for what they did for her and for keeping her strong. Rafe and Jada went to the DiMera mansion. They thought the DiMeras were in the crypt.

Kristen knocked Peter out with the femur. Tony took the vial of gas from Peter. It was still sealed. Kristen was upset at the idea of killing her brother. Peter ended up falling on one of the bones. Chad took the key from Peter. Kristen apologized to Peter. Tony helped Kristen out of the crypt. EJ and Chad carried Theo out of the crypt. At the DiMera mansion, Jada and Rafe didn’t find the crypt key. Tony and Kristen called out. Rafe sat Kristen in a chair. Tony said Kristen was sick and Theo was injured. Rafe went to the crypt and brought out Chad, Theo, and EJ. Jada called for medical assistance. Rafe wanted to know what happened. The DiMeras said Peter was responsible. Kristen said Peter was still in the crypt and that she may have killed him. Rafe went back to the crypt. The DiMeras told Jada about Theo’s injuries and Peter’s plan. Tony told Jada that Kristen saved them. He said Peter broke Kristen out of prison and kidnapped all of them. The ambulance showed up. Theo was unconscious, but his vitals were strong. Chad credited Theo for why their families were able to spend Christmas with them. He said Theo’s family will be happy to see him. Jada asked Kristen about Peter kidnapping her. Kristen said Peter was a good brother most of their lives. EJ said they should finish the questions when Kristen’s attorney was there. When Kristen and EJ were alone, she blamed him for why Rachel was in Bayview and she was in prison. She said she wished he died in the crypt. Javi told Rafe that it was too soon to tell if Peter was going to make it. He told Rafe they had to treat Peter’s situation as a spinal injury. Peter ended up coding. Javi said Peter was alive, but badly injured. He said Theo was on his way to the hospital. Jada said she wanted statements from all of them. Rafe talked to Statesville and found out the BOLO on Kristen was lifted. He asked what happened to them. EJ said how he was kidnapped and that he hadn’t spoken to Peter in years. While he was talking, EJ thought Rafe accused him of working with Peter. Rafe said they would get him one day. Jada called Abe to tell him about Theo. Abe and Paulina went to the hospital. Rafe said forensics found a camera hidden in the crypt. They also found a pouch with syringes and a burner phone. There were also human remains in the crypt. Rafe asked if they knew who they were. Chad said Theo thought it was a Dimitri or Stefan. Rafe said they reached out to Vivian and Stefan to warn them about the kidnapping, but they haven’t heard from them. The DiMeras said Peter was inspired by Vivian. At the hospital, Kristen tried to reach out to Bayview, but she couldn’t talk to Rachel. Chad said they could see each Rachel tomorrow. Kristen said she refused to let the truth come out. She said she was willing to go back to prison to protect her daughter. Chad apologized for what she was going through. EJ went to the secret lab. He apologized to the person in the green capsule. EJ apologized for what happened.

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Days Short Recap Monday, December 22, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Belle went to the Kiriakis mansion to see Brady. He told her that they were going to lose Titan, the house, and everything. Brady told her that Rachel had to spend Christmas at Bayview. He told her that Rachel was improving. Belle suggested that he talk to Marlena about what was going on. She tried to guilt him by saying their father would be disappointed if he didn’t forgive her. While she was talking, Belle told Brady that Kristen pushed Marlena to keep quiet about Rachel. Paulina went to see Marlena to let her know that she couldn’t make Rachel’s legal problems disappear. She told Marlena not to beat herself up about it. Brady showed up at Marlena’s place. He told her he forgave her and wanted her back in his life. Brady said Rachel would love to see her. They talked about what needed to be done. Marlena thought mental illness might run in the family. She suggested that it went from Rachel’s grandmother to Kristen to Rachel. Brady said he thought it was time to get his own place.

Kristen passed out from her fever. EJ and Tony woke up from the noise. Peter accused EJ of trying to kill them.When EJ tried to help Kristen, Peter told him not to touch her. Peter thought the family should hate EJ for what he’s done to all of them. When Chad tried to defend EJ, Peter cut him off to say that he was following the family for years. He knew that EJ slept with Abby. Chad said he never forgave EJ for that. Peter said he hated EJ as well as Stefano’s warped family. He said that was why he stayed away all this time. Peter continued to get the family to turn against EJ. Kristen interrupted to say that someone else could be responsible. She said it could be Peter. Kristen told them how Peter could be involved. Theo agreed with Kristen. The DiMeras turned against Peter. They wanted Peter to empty his pockets. Whoever had the weapon was responsible. Peter refused to empty his pockets. Theo went after Peter and ended up hitting his head against a wall. Peter confessed that he was responsible and took out a vial of gas. He told them to stay back or he would kill them.

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Days Update Thursday, December 18, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Jennifer enters the living room of the Horton house where Thomas has put his book down and tells Jennifer that he’d rather be playing a game on his tablet. Jennifer reminds him that the doctor said to limit his screen time as he recovers from his concussion. Thomas asks when he can go back to school as he doesn’t want to miss the Secret Santa party. Jennifer informs him that she has something difficult to tell him as she then reveals that Thomas is not going back to his school.

Julie runs in to Liam in the town square and asks if he’s actually going to be on time for his tutoring session today. Liam jokes with her and asks if Abe is inside. Julie informs him that Abe has arranged a substitute for him as he’s just not up to it today due to the situation with his son. Liam is unaware and asks what’s going on with Abe’s son. Julie then tells him that Theo has gone missing.

Paulina is in her office, finishing a phone call with a councilman. She says she’ll let him know that Abe is in his thoughts and thanks him as she hangs up. Abe joins her as Paulina says everyone is worried about him. Abe responds that they shouldn’t worry about him because Theo is the one in danger.

In the DiMera Crypt, Theo asks Chad how Kristen is doing. Chad says that she’s not well and pretty much cried herself to sleep. Theo asks if he’s sure it’s okay for them to leave her in the back with EJ. Chad assures him that Tony is playing peacemaker and that Kristen is in no shape to fight as the fever has really worn her down. Theo asks what they were fighting about anyways. Chad tells him that EJ gave her some news about Rachel that was hard to hear. Chad admits as a parent, he probably would’ve reacted the same way.

Steve goes to see Stephanie at home with his bag packed, reminding her that he’s moving in. Stephanie tells him that he doesn’t need to stay. Steve asks where Alex is. Stephanie tells him that he had to run to Titan. Steve questions him leaving her by herself. Stephanie says she insisted that she felt safe, remarking that Steve turned their apartment in to Fort Knox and reminding him that the police commissioner lives across the hall. Steve says that’s all good but he and Kayla will feel a lot better if he’s here. Stephanie loves him for worrying about her, but thinks it’s overkill after a few creepy fan letters. Steve argues that the person made a point of not leaving fingerprints, pointing out they were savvy enough to wear gloves which means he doesn’t want to be found. Stephanie admits it’s weird. Steve brings up what’s happening to the DiMeras and says he’s not going to risk her safety. Stephanie asks if he’s talked to Abe. Steve confirms that Abe is not in a good place and he wouldn’t be either. Steve says he’s been there and promised to never let anything like that happen to her again.

Liam tells Julie that he doesn’t watch TV and asks what happened to Theo. Julie informs him that apparently almost all of the DiMera family has gone missing.

Theo tells Chad that he hopes whatever is going on with Rachel is okay. Chad calls it a tough age to be dealing with all that heavy stuff. Theo knows Chad is having a hard time with Thomas too. Chad admits it’s been rough and says God only knows what they think happened to him. Chad mentions that EJ said he was invited to Thanksgiving dinner, so they probably think he blew them off and are wondering why he hasn’t called or texted. Chad says he misses his kids so much and with Abigail gone, they are all he has left of her. Chad worries about never seeing his kids again.

Thomas asks Jennifer if the doctor found something else wrong with him and that’s why he can’t go to school. Jennifer says that’s not it and reminds Thomas about Chad not showing up for court. Thomas asks what that has to do with him going to school. Jennifer informs him that she’s sorry but it seems his dad has gone missing which shocks Thomas.

Paulina asks Abe if he’s eaten yet. Abe says he’s fine. Paulina disagrees, arguing that he won’t be doing Theo any favors if he collapses from hunger and exhaustion. Paulina tells Abe that he needs a break. Abe agrees to grab something from the Pub on his way home. Paulina asks if there’s any news with the investigation. Abe says they went through all the evidence so far and it’s all a dead end. Paulina insists that something is going to come up as there’s a whole international task force looking for them. Paulina asks if Abe talked to Lani. Abe says Eli is looking through the FBI in DC and Lani is doing everything she can to help. Abe angrily asks how the hell this can be happening when he was talking to Theo when he was taken and he didn’t realize it. Paulina asks how he could’ve known. Abe feels that he failed his son. Paulina tells him he did not and he never has. Paulina declares that if anyone failed Theo, it was her. Paulina says she knows Abe is thinking that Theo never would’ve been in danger if she hadn’t encouraged him to go work for Tony at DiMera. Paulina points out that everyone else kidnapped was Stefano’s son. Abe points out that Theo is Stefano’s grandson while Paulina notes that nobody took Johnny or Chad’s kids which means Theo was targeted because he was running the company. Abe says they don’t know that. Paulina says she will never forgive herself if her advice put Theo in harm’s way and she doesn’t blame Abe if he doesn’t forgive her either.

Liam remembers seeing people talking on social media with DiMeras going missing but questions what that has to do with Abe’s son. Julie explains that Abe’s late wife Lexie was the daughter of Stefano DiMera. Liam is surprised to learn that Theo is half-DiMera, saying he’s surprised that a guy like Abe would hook up with a DiMera. Julie explains that Lexie didn’t know that Stefano was her father until later and that she died when Theo was young, so Abe raised him on his own and vowed to protect Theo from the DiMera influence, but a parent can only do so much. Liam agrees, noting that he’s a dad himself and can’t imagine what Abe must be going through, but understands that’s why he can’t make his session today. Liam asks who is filling in for Abe. Julie reveals it’s a member of her family as Jeremy then arrives.

Thomas questions Chad missing. Jennifer explains that the last time they heard from Chad was when they got the text on Thanksgiving and the police are looking into it. Thomas asks if something bad happened to him. Jennifer says they don’t know anything yet. Thomas can’t believe she didn’t tell him sooner and asks where he could be. Jennifer insists so many people are looking for him and she’s sure that Chad will be home before he knows it.

Theo encourages that Chad will see his kids again. Chad says he has to believe that or he will lose his mind. Theo tells him how his Grandma Celeste would urge manifesting things to make them happen. Chad doesn’t believe in that stuff but Theo says it’s helped him out at times. Chad acknowledges that Abigail believed, but he’s not sure that will help them with the psychopath that trapped them here.

Stephanie tells Steve that he should be out helping the search for Chad and Theo. Steve says he’s been lending his expertise when needed and he brought his laptop so he can work from here. Stephanie mentions seeing Jennifer earlier and she’s so worried about Chad. Steve comments on her dealing with a lot with the kids. Stephanie worries about anything happening to Chad since he’s the only parent the kids have left and says it would be unfathomable if they lost him too. Alex then comes home, so Stephanie tells him that Steve is making good on his threat to move in temporarily. Steve remarks that someone has to make sure Stephanie is safe as they wouldn’t want her left at the mercy of some crazed letter-writing fan.

Julie introduces Liam to Jeremy and then leaves them to it.

Steve comments on coming back and Stephanie was all alone. Alex assures that he just got the latest batch of fan mail and came back. Alex tells Steve that Stephanie’s safety is extremely important to him too. Stephanie gets Steve’s concern but says that Alex is back now and is perfectly capable of keeping her safe. Steve questions if he is. Alex assures that he is but says he won’t compare his experience to Steve’s and that they are grateful for the help as they shake hands. Steve decides he’ll pack his bag in the other room and then they can order dinner. Alex tells Steve to make himself at his home. Stephanie questions Alex being welcoming and asks whose side he’s on. Alex asks what she wanted him to say. Stephanie suggests telling him to go home but Alex says he’s not in the position to kick her dad out of their apartment and jokes that he has a license to kill. Stephanie complains that now they don’t know how long he will be in their guest room. Alex says maybe he’ll stay out of their way. Steve then calls out, asking if they are in the mood for pizza.

Jennifer promises Thomas that they will get through this as a family. Thomas gets upset and shouts that she lied to him, just like Chad.

Theo tells Chad they should at least try to manifest their desired outcomes. Chad asks what to say to get them out of here and to get Thomas to forgive him which he doesn’t see happening anytime soon. Theo talks about losing his mom at a young age like Chad’s kids and not knowing how to handle all the feelings. Theo remembers thinking that Abe didn’t do enough to save Lexie and being really mad at him for awhile, but it was irrational and he didn’t know at the time. Theo says the kid can often take out their anger on the surviving parent. Chad thanks him, knowing he understands better than most would what his kids have gone through. Chad calls Theo a really good guy and says if anyone in their family deserves a happy ending, it’s him. Theo responds that Chad deserves one too. Chad jokes that they’ll all just be positive then. Chad then decides they should get to digging.

Abe tells Paulina that she’s not to blame for any of this as Theo is a grown man who makes his own decisions. Paulina points out that Theo was so unsure about the job offer. Abe says that’s because he didn’t want to hurt or disappoint him, but he’s never disappointed him and he’s been proud of Theo every day of his life. Abe worries that he may never be able to tell him that as Paulina hugs him.

Jeremy and Liam sit together in the town square to begin tutoring. Jeremy talks about doing some questionable things when he was Liam’s age and being lucky enough to get a second chance. Jeremy says he’s grateful to be pulled out of it, so he’d like to pay it forward if Liam lets him.

Paulina assures Abe that he will have years to tell Theo how proud he is of him and asks why he’s having such a hard time believing that. Abe reminds Paulina that he was a cop and he knows the more time spent without finding Theo and the others, the more likely it is that they won’t.

Chad tries digging in the crypt while Theo advises him to pace himself. Theo bets when they get out, Thomas will be happy to see him and forget why he was mad in the first place. Chad hopes he’s right, but doesn’t think it’s that simple.

Thomas complains that he’s sick of grown ups keeping things from him when he deserves to know what’s going on. Jennifer agrees that she should’ve told him sooner but she was trying everything to protect him. Thomas argues that she sounds just like Chad. Jennifer guesses that’s because they love him so much. Thomas cries that he was so mad at Chad and said horrible things, but now he just wants him to come home. Jennifer hugs him and says she does too.

Alex tells Stephanie that maybe having Steve there won’t be that bad. Stephanie asks if Alex is fine with putting their sex place on airplane mode for the foreseeable future. Alex suggests they could try to be extra quiet but Stephanie refuses, calling it a no fly zone until Steve goes home. Alex jokes that he would kick him out then. Alex tells Stephanie that this is only until the crazed fan letter thing is over and then Steve will go back home and they will go back to having privacy to do whatever. Alex and Stephanie kiss until Steve comes back in to the room and interrupts them.

Jeremy helps Liam make a resumé on his laptop. Jeremy asks Liam what his dream job would be. Liam responds that it wouldn’t happen, so it doesn’t matter. Liam thanks Jeremy for helping him and says he has to go. Liam tells Jeremy to tell Abe that he’s pulling for Theo as he exits.

Thomas asks Jennifer if she and Jack are still trying to get custody of him and Charlotte. Jennifer tells him that the judge postponed the hearing until they locate Chad. Jennifer says they thought it would be great for them to come to Boston and start their winter break early. Thomas asks why they can’t stay here. Jennifer encourages that it would be fun in Boston. Thomas asks what about Chad. Jennifer says as soon as he comes back, they will fly back and sort everything out. Thomas asks if there’s another reason they need to leave Salem. Julie then comes in and asks how Thomas is feeling. Thomas tells her that Jennifer just told him about his dad. Julie says she’s so sorry and they are all worried. Thomas complains that he doesn’t want to lose Chad forever like they lost Abigail. Thomas points out that Charlotte barely remembers Abigail and can’t lose Chad too.

Abe complains to Paulina that he spent his whole life solving crime, but then can’t solve the one that means the most. Paulina tries to encourage him while Abe says he feels mad as hell and hopeless. Paulina tells him that she will be his strength when he feels weak as he’s always done for her. Paulina declares they will get through this together.

Chad and Theo decide they need a break from digging in the crypt. Theo goes to get them some water, but comes back and tells Chad that Kristen is getting worse.

Steve goes through Stephanie’s fan mail while Stephanie checks on her phone and says that all hell is breaking loose at the hospital with EJ missing. Alex says it can wait for tomorrow and suggests they order dinner but Stephanie decides she’d rather go out. Steve says that’s fine, but he will be tagging along, so Stephanie decides they’ll just order in then. Steve then comes across a letter that worries him.

Julie reminds Thomas about the importance of having faith. Julie and Jennifer encourage Thomas to have faith that Chad will come home safe. Thomas guesses he’s going to Boston. Julie says she will miss him but he’ll be back in no time. Jennifer tells Thomas that JJ will be coming too and sends him upstairs to get his things. Jennifer tells Julie that she will do everything to keep Thomas and Charlotte safe until they know what happened to Chad and the others. Julie and Jennifer talk about how much they will miss each other. Julie says she will keep praying that she and Chad both come home very soon.

Abe tells Paulina that he loves her and couldn’t get through this without her. Paulina says it’s good that he doesn’t have to and that the whole town is pulling for him. Paulina promises that Theo is coming home and whoever took him will have hell to pay.

Theo tells Chad that EJ is trying to keep Kristen’s fever down with cold towels but she needs antibiotics. Theo worries about her infection spreading while Chad encourages staying positive. Theo feels they need to do something. Chad suggests they keep digging.

Steve reads the fan letter that says Alex Kiriakis doesn’t deserve Stephanie and that he’s been watching Stephanie, so he knows what she needs, adding that he won’t give up until she’s his. Stephanie calls that sick. Steve asks if she still thinks he’s overreacting by moving in. Alex says they just need to find the maniac. Steve points out that the only thing they know for sure is that he’s left-handed. Stephanie responds that she might know who it is, pointing out that Jeremy Horton is ambidextrous and can write with both hands.

Jeremy remains in the town square with a pen and paper, writing with his left hand.

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Days Short Recap Friday, December 19, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Johnny talked to Roman about his conversation with Rita about running DiMera Enterprises. He said he was the only one who could sign off on the DiMera/Titan divestment. Roman wasn’t happy about the idea. Johnny said that he would never get involved with the business again, but he didn’t have a choice if his family didn’t come back. Chanel went to see Sarah for her checkup. Sarah told her that her test results show that the cancer was back, but she wanted to double check. She told her that they wouldn’t know anything until after Christmas. After the visit, Chanel went home and cried. She controlled herself by the time Johnny came home. Chanel only told him that she was waiting on results for her tests. Johnny told her that he had to take over DiMera Enterprises. Chad and Theo woke up and saw Peter in the crypt. They didn’t know who he was. Kristen recognized Peter. She gave Peter a hug when he woke up. Chad and Theo introduced themselves to Peter. Peter was going to be there sooner, but EJ kidnapped their mother before he showed up. He got a chance to see her. Peter was being vague about when he saw his mother. The others didn’t seem to notice the way he was acting. Chad told Peter about their theory that Stefan was the one who kidnapped them.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, December 18, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Jennifer told Thomas that he wasn’t going back to school because his father was missing. Thomas was upset that she didn’t say anything to him sooner. He thought she lied to him just like his father did. Thomas wasn’t mad long. He was worried about when his father would come back. Jennifer wanted Chad to come home too. She wanted to take Thomas and Charlotte to Boston until Chad came back. Once Chad was back, they would go back to Salem. Abe felt like he failed Theo because he was on the phone with him when he was kidnapped. Paulina took the blame for the kidnapping by telling Abe that she shouldn’t have agreed that he should run DiMera Enterprises. Abe assured her that she wasn’t responsible. Paulina promised him that Theo would be okay. Abe was a cop for a long time. The longer a person was missing, the less likely they would be found. Chad assured Theo they would be fine in the crypt. They talked about what happened with Rachel. Theo assured Chad that things would get better with his children. He remembered losing his mother at a young age, and the anger he felt towards his father. Theo got over his anger. He checked on Kristen and realized that she needed help. They realized that they had to get out of the crypt. Chad felt they had to get out to save Kristen.

Steve showed up at Stephanie and Alex’s place and was ready to move in. Stephanie didn’t think he needed to move in, but Steve’s mind was made up. Alex thanked Steve for moving in. After Steve left the room, Stephanie informed Alex that they wouldn’t be having sex. Steve came back in the room and informed her that he was going everywhere she did. Stephanie was annoyed by that. Steve went through Stephanie’s letters and found a new one. The letter indicated that the writer knew Alex’s full name and planned to take Stephanie from him. Steve, Stephanie, and Alex were scared by the letter. The only thing they knew was the person was left-handed. Stephanie remembered that Jeremy was ambidextrous. Steve was surprised that Jeremy could write with both hands. Jeremy was sitting in the town square with a pen and paper in his hands.

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Days Update Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Marlena takes a walk around the nurses station at the hospital as Sarah comes over and comments on how much better she seems to be doing. Sarah reveals that she saw Marlena’s latest labs and thinks she can go home today which makes her smile.

Tate sits at home and texts Holly that he can’t wait for Paris. Holly responds, sending him a picture of his boarding pass. Tate then gets a message from Salem U, revealing his GPA is a 1.9 and he’s on academic probation.

Brady is in the living room of the Kiriakis Mansion when Xander comes in with his hands full of Christmas presents. Brady asks what he’s doing there. Xander responds that he could ask him the same question.

Belle goes home when she gets an alert on her phone about EJ disappearing.

In the DiMera Crypt, Chad tries to tell Kristen that she needs to take it easy and be resting but Kristen says she can’t with Theo and Tony snoring. Kristen then sees EJ and asks if she’s hallucinating. EJ responds that he wishes she were.

Tate asks Belle if everything is okay. Belle responds that she’s just a little rattled as she’s been in court all day and just saw that EJ has been kidnapped. Tate calls it crazy and says he heard from Aaron. Tate thought about calling Johnny but he wouldn’t know what to say since he and EJ are on the outs. Belle feels it still must have really hit hard.

Kristen asks EJ if they got him too or if he’s just pretending to be captive like them. EJ tells her that Chad told him that she thought he was behind this. EJ calls it ridiculous and asks why he’d be here if he did it. Kristen argues that he’d want a front row seat to watch them eat each other alive. Chad thinks they’ve been pretty civil so far. Kristen predicts that’s all about to change.

Marlena thanks Sarah and tells her how happy she is that she’s fully recovered and back at work. Marlena doesn’t know how much Brady told her about what happened. Sarah confirms that Brady told her everything about Rachel, EJ, and Marlena. Sarah doesn’t know what she would’ve done if she were in her shoes, so she thinks all that matters is Rachel is getting the treatment she needs. Sarah says she will get a nurse to get Marlena’s paperwork and reminds her to make a follow up appointment for next week. After Sarah walks away, Marlena thinks back to Brady arguing with her for not telling him about Rachel shooting EJ. Marlena then calls Belle and tells her she’s ready to come home. Belle says that’s great news and she’ll be right there. Belle hangs up and shares the news with Tate, who says it’s about time. Tate says he’s on his way to meet Brady to go see Rachel in Bayview. Tate tells Belle to tell Marlena that he can’t wait to see her as he then exits.

Xander informs Brady that he came to drop off Christmas presents for his daughter. Brady asks if Sarah is aware he was coming. Xander clarifies that he’s not staying and isn’t seeing Victoria as he’s well aware he gave up his parental rights and doesn’t need any reminders from him. Xander asks what Brady’s excuse is. Brady reveals that he now lives here which shocks Xander. Brady clarifies that it’s temporary as Maggie offered him a room until he finds his own place. Xander asks what’s wrong with his old place. Brady says it got complicated but he doesn’t owe him an explanation. Xander agrees, then asks if the FBI questioned him about the missing DiMeras. Brady says they did not. Xander thought maybe because of the business rivalry and de-merger, since they questioned he and Philip. Brady says they may be under suspicion but he doesn’t know anything about the disappearances. Xander says they don’t either. Brady says he will let Sarah know that he dropped off the packages. Xander then exits.

Chad worries about Kristen’s wounded hand getting infected and that being why she has a fever. EJ jokes about it while Kristen calls him cruel and heartless, which EJ says runs in the family. EJ commends Kristen for what she did for Rachel as the only kind thing she ever did in her life, not that it did any good. Kristen asks what the hell that means. EJ informs her that Rachel remembered what happened. Chad questions what he’s talking about. EJ then reveals that Kristen took the blame when it was actually Rachel who pulled the trigger and shot him while now Rachel has remembered.

Tate goes to see Rachel at Bayview. Rachel hugs him and says she’s so happy to see him. Tate says Brady will be there soon, while Rachel asks what about Marlena.

Belle goes to the hospital to pick up Marlena and tells her that she brought her clothes and the pharmacy are refilling her prescription, then they could go. Marlena mentions reading in the Spectator that EJ has gone missing too. Belle responds that she hopes he’s okay. Marlena says she will get changed so they can go but Belle stops her and says there’s something that she needs to tell her.

Xander returns to the Kiriakis Mansion living room as he forgot one of the presents. Xander stops and thinks back to when he gave Sarah a pair of red heels. Sarah then comes home and greets him. Xander says it’s good to see her back on her feet. Sarah questions what he’s doing there. Xander explains that he was just dropping off gifts for Victoria and hopes it’s not violating the terms of their divorce. Sarah says it’s fine but he needs to call first as she doesn’t like being surprised like this. Xander responds that he was surprised too, to find out that Brady moved in with her.

Belle informs Marlena that Brady moved out and is going to stay with Maggie until he finds his own place. Marlena guesses it has a lot to do with her and that Brady doesn’t want to be around her.

Kristen questions how Rachel remembered that she shot EJ. EJ explains that it seems Rachel gave Sarah some pistachio ice cream, knowing that Sarah was allergic to it and it caused a reaction. Chad asks if Sarah is alright. EJ says she almost died but is fine now. Kristen says she’s glad but questions what it has to do with Rachel remembering shooting him. EJ explains that it triggered a memory and caused Rachel to go completely off the rails, so now she’s at Bayview for the foreseeable future which shocks Kristen.

Brady joins Tate in visiting Rachel at Bayview. Brady says the nurse was just telling him how good she’s doing which Rachel blows off as something said to all the parents. Tate says that Rachel was just asking about Marlena visiting. Brady says that Marlena is still in the hospital but is sure she will come visit when she’s out. Tate reveals that Marlena just called Belle and is being discharged today which excites Rachel, who says now she can come visit her. Brady says he’s sure she can but he wants to focus on how proud he is of Rachel because her therapist said she’s doing so well here. Brady asks how things are going otherwise. Rachel responds that the food there still sucks. Rachel tells Brady that she misses him so much. Brady says he misses her too and can’t wait for her to come home. Rachel then announces that she made a new friend who made everything a little better. Brady asks what her name is. Rachel then reveals they already know her as it’s Sophia Choi.

Kristen can’t believe her daughter is in Bayview. EJ was surprised such extreme measures had to be taken. EJ says the hope was that Rachel wouldn’t remember what she had done until she was psychologically ready but she wasn’t. Kristen asks how long she is in Bayview. EJ says he’s heard she’s having a tough time and imagines she’s rather traumatized. Chad questions Kristen confessing to shooting EJ when they both knew it was Rachel. Kristen confirms she wanted to protect her daughter and cries that she needs to be there for her and get her daughter out of that awful place.

Tate remembers seeing Sophia when he came to visit Rachel the other day. Rachel says they are friends now but insists that Sophia doesn’t talk at all, but they play board games.

Belle tells Marlena that the situation with Brady and Rachel is complicated and she’s sure when Rachel deals with her emotions and is on the road to recovery, Brady will be ready to forgive and move on. Marlena is not sure she will be ready to forgive herself, feeling she made a terrible error in judgment with Rachel and she was wrong. Marlena declares that she is now going to stop seeing patients. Belle argues that she’s a great doctor who has helped so many people. Belle advises Marlena not to make major decisions while emotionally distressed. Belle gets an alert that Marlena’s prescription is ready and says she will get her home.

Sarah tells Xander that Brady didn’t move in with her and that Maggie offered him a room temporarily. Sarah says it had nothing to do with her and Victoria and that she had no idea as she wasn’t consulted on it. Xander mocks the idea that she’s broken up about being under the same roof. Sarah responds that she’s glad Brady has a place to stay until finding his own place and she hopes he stays as long as he needs and that he feels welcome. Xander remarks that he’s sure Sarah will make him feel more than welcome because it’s obvious she has feelings for Brady.

Brady gives Rachel a present of Christmas lights. Rachel asks what she’s going to do with those. Brady says the nurse said they can decorate. Tate adds there’s some ornaments as well to make the place feel more like home for her. Rachel stops and realizes that she’s not coming home for Christmas. Brady confirms that but says they don’t know how long she’ll be there. Brady says it’s no big deal and they will just have Christmas here, assuring she’ll have a lot of presents. Rachel responds that the only thing she wants for Christmas is to go home and to see her mom. Brady tells her the most important thing for her is to be here and get well, then she will be able to have every Christmas at home. Brady insists it will be okay as he hugs her.

Chad doesn’t understand why and how Rachel shot EJ. EJ calls it an accident and says for a long time, he didn’t remember it was her. Kristen explains that once EJ remembered, he forced her to confess to make sure Johnny got off. Chad points out that they were about to come back with the verdict and reveals they weren’t going to send Johnny to prison as Leo was on the jury and told him. Kristen gets upset and yells at EJ that she told him to wait but he begged her to act before the verdict came back. EJ questions how he could’ve known. Kristen screams that he just had to wait five more minutes and then she wouldn’t have gone to prison and Rachel wouldn’t be in Bayview. Kristen tries to attack EJ but Chad separates them. Chad tells Kristen that she needs to save her strength.

Belle brings Marlena home. Marlena notes that Belle decorated for Christmas and calls it lovely. Marlena asks if Tate is home. Belle confirms that he didn’t move out with Brady and that Tate doesn’t know the specifics of what’s going on with her and Brady other than things being tense. Belle says he’ll be home soon as he went with Brady to go see Rachel. Marlena says she would love to see Rachel but doesn’t want to overstep. Belle says Rachel wants to see her too and she’s sure Brady will be fine with that. Marlena doesn’t think that Brady will ever respect or trust her again.

Brady and Tate go to the Pub and talk about it being hard to leave Rachel as they agree to go back tomorrow. Brady encourages that Rachel is making progress and toasts to her getting better and coming back home. Brady questions Rachel socializing with Sophia and why an 18 year old girl would befriend a 10 year old girl. Tate guesses Sophia is bored, lonely, and probably feels safer with a little kid. Tate says that Sophia has her problems but she’s always been good with kids since looking after her little brother, so he’s sure they have nothing to worry about. Brady adds that since Sophia isn’t talking, she can’t be a bad influence. Brady is glad Rachel has someone in Bayview and hopes it will make the experience more bearable for both of them.

Rachel says it’s a bummer about Christmas but at least she has Sophia and her stuffed animal snake. Rachel adds that it was so awesome how Sophia went and got Buddy’s Burgers for them. Rachel hopes next time Sophia comes up with something fun to do, they can go along.

Sarah tells Xander that her and Brady is none of his business, just like it’s not her business if Xander has feelings for anyone else. Xander responds that he doesn’t and never will. Xander decides he should go and asks Sarah to tell Victoria that if he missed anything on her list, he’ll have it by New Year’s and that he loves her very much. Xander wishes a Merry Christmas and goes to leave but Sarah stops him.

Brady asks Tate if he has any Christmas plans with Holly. Tate reveals that Holly is actually going to be in Paris. Brady is sure that Eric and Nicole will be excited. Tate says he wanted to talk to him about that. Brady knows it won’t be the most Merry Christmas for them as it’s the first Christmas without John. Brady knows he should be supporting Marlena, but right now he can’t do it. Tate can tell he’s really struggling. Brady adds that with Rachel in Bayview, they will have to do everything they can to make Christmas as fun as possible for her. Brady knows Tate will be upset not seeing Holly as much during the holidays but insists that he and Rachel will be so happy that he’s around. Tate holds his phone with his boarding pass on it, but doesn’t say anything to Brady about his plans.

Belle asks if Marlena told Brady why they decided it would be best for Kristen to confess. Marlena says she hasn’t as it was all Kristen’s idea and she was just as surprised when she burst in to the court room to confess. Belle points out that Marlena knew Kristen was protecting Rachel. Marlena confirms she did, but she asked her not to do it and Kristen wouldn’t hear it and asked her not to discuss it with Brady or anyone. Belle argues that it’s not Marlena’s fault then as she didn’t make the decision about Rachel and was just backing up Kristen. Belle urges her to tell Brady that since he’s blaming her unfairly. Marlena states that she didn’t have to do what Kristen asked but she did and she kept it from Brady, so she has to take responsibility for that.

Chad holds Kristen back and tells EJ to go chill out for a minute so he steps away. Chad states to Kristen that EJ sent her to prison to protect his kid. Kristen responds that as much as she hates EJ, she does get it. Kristen asks Chad not to tell Theo or Tony about this because she’s not ready for them to know what Rachel did. Kristen hugs Chad as she cries.

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Days Update Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Gwen remains in the living room of the DiMera Mansion, telling herself to remain calm. Rita arrives and says she just spoke to Susan about EJ’s disappearance. Gwen asks if Rita knows where EJ might be. Rita says she doesn’t and recalls being on the phone with EJ as he was asking for her help on something but he didn’t finish his request because the call suddenly dropped, so she came over suspecting something was amiss.

Chanel watches over Trey at home while Johnny finishes grading his class. Johnny mentions that everyone failed the take home test on Hitchcock. There’s a knock at the door and both say they aren’t expecting anyone.

Gabi is cooking at home as Javi joins her in the kitchen. Javi offers to help but Gabi refuses and remarks that she doesn’t even know if she’s going to let him stay for dinner. Gabi tells him that she needs to get this out of her system before Arianna gets home and her anger spoils the evening. Gabi tells Javi that she gave him a place to stay, a job, and helped him finance his wedding ring, only for him to tell Rafe that she had motive to disappear Tony and Theo. Javi denies doing so while Gabi asks if he honestly thinks she’s a monster that would do something so heinous. Javi assures that he doesn’t think that, so Gabi asks why the hell he said anything.

At the hospital, Mark asks Cat if EJ is in his office as he hasn’t seen him. Cat realizes that he hasn’t heard.

Johnny answers the door and it’s just Paulina who greets them. Chanel notes that she seems upset. Johnny asks if something happened or if it’s about Theo. Paulina responds that she’s sorry but EJ has gone missing.

Rafe goes to the DiMera Mansion and tells Rita and Gwen that he just got word that EJ is missing. Rita says there’s no need for questions as Jada was already there. Rafe responds that he’s here to get the key to search the crypt.

Johnny doesn’t get it since they all knew to be on guard and asks how EJ could be so careless. Paulina says it seems EJ’s security detail dropped the ball. Paulina encourages Johnny not to worry because the police and FBI are all over this. Paulina promises they will find all of them.

Cat informs Mark that Jada called, asking when she last saw EJ and about the DiMera jet. Cat declares that it looks like EJ is actually missing like the other DiMeras. Cat knows Mark has been cagey about whatever he does for EJ in the lab, but sooner or later, the police are going to come knocking on his door with a lot of questions and he better have some good answers if he doesn’t want to go back to prison.

Rita informs Rafe that a key won’t be of any use because EJ had the crypt sealed years ago. Rafe demands she have it unsealed then. Rita says she will have to make some calls. Rafe tells her to do that and call him immediately when it’s done as he then exits. Rita calls it a waste of time and talks to Gwen about staying ahead of the police. Gwen asks what to do now. Rita says over all the years, her loyalty to the DiMeras has never wavered and won’t now. Gwen says she’s aware of her dedication. Rita responds that she’s well aware of Gwen’s partnership with EJ, but he’s not here right now and she is, so until EJ returns, Gwen will take her orders from her as she calls the shots.

Javi knows Gabi thinks he betrayed her confidence, but people are missing and Rafe is investigating so he argues that Rafe deserved to know. Gabi asks if he thinks he could be harboring a vicious, dangerous criminal. Javi insists that no one thinks she did it. Gabi says it’s not about Rafe but about them and the fact that someone she thought she could confide in, she now has to wonder if he’s taking their private conversations and running to their FBI agent brother. Gabi has to worry about Javi telling that she screwed over Xander and Philip for Tony. Gabi asks if she also told his gossip journalist fiancée. Leo then comes in and corrects her that he’s an investigative reporter. Leo tells Gabi that Javi didn’t say a word to him, but she just did.

Johnny thanks Paulina for coming in person to tell him about his father. Johnny then goes to check on Trey in the bedroom. Chanel talks to Paulina about wishing EJ was out of their lives, but not like this as they hug.

Cat tells Mark that she cares about him. Mark says he trusts her, so Cat asks what he’s doing for EJ. Cat warns that people are going missing and she doesn’t want him to be next. Mark argues that she might still see him as the pathetic little science geek, but he’s not that kid anymore and he’ll be fine. Mark hugs Cat and then walks away. Cat then pulls out her phone and calls Rafe, who is walking through the town square, and tells him that she needs to see him. Rafe says now is not a good time but Cat says it’s urgent.

Rita asks Gwen about EJ’s phone. Gwen informs her that she gave it to the police, but she wiped it clean first which Rita commends her for. Gwen asks what’s next. Rita responds that they must move forward how EJ would want them to.

Gabi didn’t realize Leo was home. Leo explains that with Chad missing, there’s no point in going to the office. Javi tells Leo to pretend he didn’t hear what Gabi said. Leo agrees but admits his curiosity is piqued. Leo says he and Gabi are about to be family, so they should establish trust. Leo then asks Gabi how she screwed over Xander and Philip to give DiMera back to Tony.

Rafe meets Cat at the hospital. Cat questions Rafe not telling her that EJ was missing when he’s the target of their investigation. Rafe explains that he didn’t loop her in because he’s trying to cover their asses because it wouldn’t be a good look if people found out that Cat drugged EJ. Cat assures no one will find out. Rafe says he’s going to the clinic to question people, including Mark. Cat says she just talked to him and he didn’t seem to know anything. Rafe says they’ll see about that. Cat decides she’s going with him but Rafe says no and tells her to stick to her day job.

Rita tells Gwen that until EJ returns, they keep moving forward. Rita brings up that the police came calling this morning as someone may have tipped them off about Dr. Rolf staying there. Gwen confirms that they did and that EJ thinks Leo was responsible. Rita recalls catching Leo poking around the lab. Gwen assures that Leo did not tip off the police. Gwen calls Leo untrustworthy but in this case, he’s innocent in case EJ asks Rita to go after him. Rita argues that she’s not a double agent. Gwen clarifies that she’s not asking her to defy EJ, but hoping she will allow her to go after Leo herself. Rita guesses she has a score to settle with Leo. Gwen responds that Leo betrayed her trust, brutally. Rita takes that she wants her own revenge. Gwen hopes she can respect that. Rita assures that she does.

Gabi decides she has nothing left to Javi or Leo. Javi stops her and assures that Leo won’t breathe a word of this to anyone and neither will he. Gabi says she’s heard that before. Arianna then comes home, excitedly talking about Gabi’s cooking, then asks what’s going on. Javi claims nothing and that he and Leo were just leaving. Arianna is disappointed as she thought they were going to cook and eat. Javi says maybe another time as he and Leo exit.

Chanel asks Paulina how she can comfort Johnny when he knows how much she loathes his father, so it will ring hollow. Paulina encourages that Chanel is Johnny’s wife and his rock. Johnny comes back in and tells them that Trey is still sleeping. Paulina asks if there’s anything she can do for Johnny. Johnny responds that he does have a couple questions and he needs honest answers. Johnny asks what are the police thinking right now since in less than 2 months, 5 DiMeras have gone missing. Johnny argues that there has to be some logical reason that members of his family have gone missing. Paulina wishes she could tell him and says there’s been no ransom. Johnny complains that there is no way of knowing if EJ and the others are even alive. Paulina says she’s sorry and confirms there isn’t. Paulina decides she should get back to Abe. Chanel sends their love. Johnny says they are thinking about Theo and praying he comes home soon. Paulina hugs them as Chanel thanks her for keeping them in the loop. Paulina says to call if they need anything at all as she then exits. Chanel turns to Johnny and asks how he’s feeling. Johnny responds that while he was in with Trey, he was thinking about his conversation with EJ this morning where he was pushing him to take the CEO spot. Johnny wonders if that’s the last time he ever speaks to him.

Arianna talks to Gabi about her class. Arianna then comments on spending the afternoon making tamales with Leo sounds like a great way to end up in a straitjacket, but not having Javi there feels wrong. Gabi assures it had nothing to do with her, so Arianna asks what’s going on. Gabi responds that she did something really stupid and she’s hoping and praying it doesn’t come back to bite her.

Leo and Javi walk through the town square. Leo talks about how mad Gabi was looking at him. Javi says Gabi can be intense, but is also very forgiving so she’ll forget all of this in a few weeks. Leo insists that he plans on keeping his mouth shut. They run in to Gwen. Gwen thinks Leo would be less miserable if he spent less time gossiping and more time in a room alone, keeping his mouth shut. Leo asks if this is about EJ and his clinic. Gwen says it has everything to do with that. Gwen warns Leo that he’s lucky that EJ went missing before he had to face the consequences of his snooping. Leo is shocked to learn that EJ is missing while Javi questions what consequences Leo would’ve been facing. Gwen says it’s moot now. Leo argues that even if EJ disappeared, he could still do damage remotely. Gwen advises Leo to keep his bloody mouth shut, unless he wants to be the world’s next unsolved mystery.

Cat is finishing a call at the hospital as Rita arrives and says she’d like a word.

Rafe goes to the clinic and knocks on the door. Mark asks if he can help him with something. Rafe responds that he’s investigating the disappearance of his boss EJ, so Mark lets him in.

Johnny talks on the phone to Sami, assuring that the baby is fine and promises to send more pictures. Johnny says they are being very careful and hangs up. Chanel asks how she took it. Johnny admits she sounded pretty upset, but mostly worried about them and Sydney is a wreck. Chanel is sorry he had to break the news and asks what he needs. Johnny says he just needs her as she hugs him.

Arianna senses that Gabi doesn’t want to talk about it, so she hopes whatever is going on is okay. Gabi thanks her and assures that she’ll be just fine. Gabi asks if Arianna has fun plans for winter break. Arianna says not really. Gabi asks about her internship at Titan. Arianna forgot to tell her that Kate said Titan is falling apart since the de-merger so they aren’t taking any interns now. Gabi calls that a shame, but says that Kate agreed to put in a good word for her at DiMera. Gab says like hell she would.

Leo comments on another DiMera going missing and says it’s either the crime of the century or some very elaborate performance art. Javi wants to go back to what Gwen said about the consequences Leo would face since she never explained. Gwen says she has no idea and can’t just call EJ when his phone is probably in some evidence box. Gwen asks Leo if all this cosplaying as an intrepid journalist is really worth it. Leo argues that what he’s doing is important and that he won’t stop. Gwen remarks that Leo can ride his tsunami all the way to the afterlife then.

Cat tells Rita that she hopes EJ will be okay since he can be tough but he’s a good boss. Rita says she’s seen EJ through a lot over the years and he’s still standing, so she wouldn’t worry about him. Rita knows EJ would be counting on them to keep humming along. Cat agrees to do her best. Rita says she’ll let her know if she hears anything and trusts Cat will do the same. Cat says she can count on her.

Rafe questions Mark not hearing from EJ for days which he confirms. Rafe comments on the rats in the lab. Mark calls it sadly part of the science to do drug tests on animals, but assures he’s been following every rule. Rafe hopes so for his sake because it would be a shame for him to relive cold mornings in jail. Rafe tells Mark that he knows all about how his license was revoked, so now he has to work with rats instead of humans. Rafe adds that lying to an FBI agent would violate his parole, so he warns Mark to let him know if he sees or hears anything or he’ll be back. Rafe reiterates to call him if he hears anything. Mark says he will do as Rafe then exits the lab. Mark then goes through to the other side of the lab where Dr. Rolf is working. Mark asks if EJ is there. Dr. Rolf responds that he doesn’t know. Mark asks who does. Dr. Rolf states that he is aware that EJ is missing but he doesn’t know of his whereabouts. Mark asks about the other DiMeras. Dr. Rolf says they are of no concern to him and he’s working here. Mark gets upset and says the feds are breathing down his neck, so he needs answers. Mark demands Dr. Rolf tell him exactly what he’s doing back here.

Johnny tells Chanel that he feels he should be out there doing something, but he feels so useless right now. Chanel encourages that he’s not useless and right where he’s supposed to be, keeping himself, her, and Trey safe because that’s what matters most right now. Chanel says she’s going to check on Trey and that she loves Johnny so much as they kiss.

Gabi demands Arianna not work for DiMera, calling that company a snake pit. Arianna argues that Gabi used to run the company, made money, and got Gabi Chic back. Gabi complains that she has no idea what she went through, so Arianna asks what she went through. Gabi calls that a story for another time. Arianna argues that it has nothing to do with her working in the mail room, adding that it would look good on her resume. Gabi suggests she could intern at Gabi Chic but Arianna doesn’t want to work for her. Arianna feels she’s being very controlling by trying to forbid her from taking this job. Gabi argues that she hasn’t even been offered the job yet. Gabi declares that as long as Arianna is living under her roof, she has say over her decisions and no daughter of hers is going to work for DiMera, end of story.

Rafe returns to Cat and tells her that Mark didn’t say much. Cat says she told him. Rafe questions if Mark is trustworthy. Cat says he hasn’t given her a reason not to trust him. Rafe remarks that’s unlike some people. Cat apologizes for betraying his trust and argues that they both know what’s at stake here, so they have to find a way to work together to get past this or they won’t have an investigation at all.

Javi asks Leo how they are going to married if he ends up dying. Leo assures he doesn’t plan on dying in the near future so they can count on getting married. Leo repeats to Gwen that he’s not letting this go as the story is bigger than all three of them. Leo argues that it’s about Trey, Chad, and an entire family disappearing and what Gwen has been up to. Leo asks Gwen to tell him about her chat with EJ at the gala for the first time. Gwen claims not to know what he’s talking about. Leo says it had something to do with a delivery, revealing he has it all on video. Leo asks what the delivery was. Gwen says she will not stand here and be interrogated by him, so she storms off as Leo mocks her.

Dr. Rolf tells Mark that once the animal research yields the results they are looking for, they can move ahead. Mark asks if someone is in the tube in the room. Dr. Rolf says no more questions and repeats they must push forward while EJ is missing and succeed, no matter the cost.

Rita shows up at Johnny’s door. Johnny steps out and asks what she’s doing here. Rita calls it a code red emergency and says she’s worried sick about EJ, but she has a sworn duty to the family and there’s no one left in Salem that’s capable of running DiMera Enterprises. Rita says the underlings can keep it afloat for awhile but the family just got the company back and they need a true DiMera at the head. Rita knows Johnny turned down EJ’s recent overtures because his wife didn’t approve. Johnny says that’s not how it went down and the answer is still no. Rita declares that she can’t accept that. Rita suggests going inside to have a nice talk and see if they can turn his “no” in to a resounding “yes”.

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Days Update Monday, December 15, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Steve joins Kayla at the Brady Pub. Steve apologizes for being late as he was on the phone with Abe. Kayla asks if there’s any news on Theo. Steve says none and that he thought getting the FBI and ISA to coordinate with the Salem police would lead to something but it’s like Theo just vanished. Steve adds that all they know is that Theo was last seen leaving the Pub. Kayla feels with Chad missing too, it can’t be a coincidence. Steve seriously doubts it and says they are trying to keep Thomas and Charlotte in the dark as long as possible. Kayla points out all of this happening around Christmas time makes you count your blessings. Kayla thanks God that their kids are happy and safe..

Alex guesses he and Stephanie should get to work now. Alex says he hates to leave her but he looks forward to decorating for Christmas with her. Stephanie says she’ll be waiting. Alex kisses her and then goes to leave when he sees a fan mail letter on the table. Alex stops and opens the envelope, then drops it in shock. Stephanie questions what that is. Alex responds that he doesn’t know what it is as Stephanie says they have to get out of there and they rush out the door. Jada comes over and asks if everything is alright. Alex tells her not to come any closer.

Gwen finds EJ’s cell phone on the floor of the living room in the DiMera Mansion and says it’s unheard of for EJ to leave it behind, so she wonders where he is.

EJ regains consciousness in the DiMera Crypt and jumps to his feet in shock as he’s greeted by Theo and Chad. EJ hopes he’s not in Hell. Chad says it’s close but it’s the DiMera Crypt. EJ calls that impossible while Chad states here they are.

Kayla tells Steve that worrying about her friends kind of killed her appetite and points out that Steve only doesn’t clear his plate when he’s not telling her something, so she asks if something else is going on with Theo and Chad. Steve responds that it’s not about them, but a report he’s waiting on. Steve then gets a message on his phone and tells Kayla that they’ve got to go. Kayla asks what’s wrong but Steve says he doesn’t know yet as they race out of the Pub.

Jada questions what’s going on. Stephanie reveals that there was a letter addressed to Alex and when he opened it, there was a white powder inside. Alex starts talking about how he doesn’t think he got any on him while Jada tells him to remain calm. Jada talks about it could be a bio threat situation and they could’ve inhaled something. Alex asks what to do. Jada instructs them to go outside and not come in to contact with anyone else while she will call them with the next steps. Jada makes a call to alert the fire department and police to a possible biohazard situation. Jada says to send officers and first responders to block off the building.

Gwen returns to the living room, calling out to EJ that she knows he’s still around since his car is in the garage. Gwen states that she’s not finding this game of hide and seek very amusing. Gwen adds that it’s really starting to freak her out. Susan then enters, startling Gwen. Gwen asks if she’s seen EJ. Susan says she hasn’t and asks why she’s so concerned about him. Gwen responds that they were talking and she stepped out, then when she came back, he was gone. Susan suggests he just went outside but Gwen reveals he left his phone. Susan admits that is weird since the phone is practically glued to EJ’s hand. Gwen says she first thought EJ was avoiding her. Susan declares that she’s getting a feeling that something is wrong.

EJ questions all of the missing family members being in the crypt the whole time. Theo questions why no one has searched for them here. EJ reveals that he had the entrance to the crypt sealed off a few years ago. Chad asks if it never occurred that someone unsealed it. EJ explains that no one knew Chad was missing until recently, pointing out that Tony went missing across the world. EJ says that it didn’t occur to him until Theo went missing and Chad missed his trial that something nefarious may have gone on. EJ adds that he just assumed Kristen escaped from prison. Chad informs him that she didn’t and that she was grabbed from the prison yard, so she’s a victim like the rest of them. EJ questions who they are a victim of and asks where Tony and Kristen are now. Theo says they are out back with blankets and water. Chad mentions that Kristen is resting for the first time since he got there, so he asks EJ to leave her and Tony alone unless he has some grand escape plan to tell them about. EJ questions what they have been doing. Theo says they agreed to sleep in shifts. EJ asks what the hell is wrong with them both. EJ declares that they are DiMeras, strong, cunning, and ruthless, so he questions why they haven’t charged the guard and made them rue the day that they crossed their family.

Gwen tells Susan that she hasn’t taken much stock in her premonitions but asks if she has a vibe that EJ is in trouble. Susan calls it common sense since EJ’s brothers and nephew are already missing, so this doesn’t bode well for EJ. Gwen suggests they could be assuming the worst and that EJ just dropped his phone. Susan insists that EJ would never do that and this is not good. Susan decides she’s calling the police. Gwen questions that being a good idea. Susan tells the police that she can’t find her son and he is in danger. Gwen keeps hold of EJ’s phone as a call from Rita comes in, which Gwen ignores. While Susan argues with the police on the phone, Gwen does a factory reset on EJ’s phone to delete all messages, logs, and data. Susan hangs up and tells Gwen that the police are on their way and exits the room.

Jada and Stephanie watch in the town square as Javi checks on Alex. Javi says that everything seems to have come back negative, so Alex must have avoided contact. Stephanie suggests maybe the powder wasn’t anything serious. Jada points out that they won’t know until they have it analyzed and they will still have to seal off their building. Javi instructs them to avoid contact with anyone else until then. Jada asks Alex if he has any idea who sent the letter or if he recognized the handwriting but Alex says no. Jada then gets a phone call that shocks her.

Theo tells EJ that it’s not that simple. EJ argues that with four and now five of them, surely they could use brute force against whatever masked guards are watching them. Chad argues that they could end up shot between the eyes. Theo says they didn’t want to risk ending up like the bones they found. EJ questions who the bones belong to. Chad says they don’t know and explains trying to dig their way out until they came across human bones. Theo talks about how it appears to be a male and suggests it could be another cousin that has been missing. EJ argues that Stefan hasn’t been missing that long but supposes it could be Dimitri. Chad points out it could also be an enemy of the DiMeras. EJ decides they need to identify the remains when they get out. Theo says that’s if they get out.

Kayla and Steve rush to the town square to check on Stephanie but Javi stops them and instructs them to keep their distance. They question what’s going on and point out their place being blocked off. Stephanie promises they are fine while Alex says they need to remain extra cautious until they get the results back from the lab. Kayla questions the biohazard. Javi explains that a suspicious white powder was found in a letter addressed to Alex, so they evacuated the building. Steve questions if Jada has the situation under control. Jada says they will know more once her team has finished sweeping the building and adds that she just got a call about an urgent matter that needs her attention. Steve questions it being more urgent than a biohazard. Jada asks Javi to handle this. Javi admits he’d prefer that she stay put but acknowledges that she didn’t come in to contact so she should be good to go. After Jada hurries off, Alex asks Javi if there’s any idea when they will be cleared. Javi acknowledges that the likelihood of them being infected is minimal, so best case scenario is about an hour or so. Steve asks what the worst case scenario is. Javi says if the danger spread, they’d have to condemn the building.

Susan talks to Gwen about waiting for the police to arrive and says she hasn’t gotten a single vibe about where EJ could be. Gwen thinks that could be a good thing but Susan argues that she should’ve gotten a feeling by now that EJ is safe but she has nothing. Susan declares that it’s like something or someone is blocking her. Susan asks if Gwen is sure that she didn’t see anyone around before EJ disappeared. Jada then arrives and says she felt she should handle this herself. Susan tells Jada that EJ is missing and disappeared just like Chad, Theo, and Tony. Susan says she told EJ to be careful but he didn’t listen and now could be in more danger.

Chad and Theo tell EJ that they’ve tried to find their way out but there is nothing they can exploit. Theo says they need to recharge so Chad tells him to get some sleep now that EJ is there. EJ calls it troubling how easily they have accepted their situation. Chad feels they are being practical and asks how his kids are. EJ says they are fine and appear to have been spared along with Johnny. Chad bets all hell broke loose when he didn’t show up in court. EJ reveals that the judge issued a continuance. Chad is surprised as he thought Jennifer would jump on it. EJ says that he spoke with Jennifer and as much as she wants custody of the kids, she wants to do it fairly and he made her understand that Chad never would’ve missed the trial unless something was terribly wrong. Chad hugs EJ and thanks him. EJ informs Chad that the Deverauxs were truly worried about him even if they didn’t want to show it. Chad calls this a nightmare, arguing that he should be out there with Thomas and Charlotte. Chad asks why this is happening to them, questioning who could be behind it and why.

Steve goes over what happened with Alex. Alex and Stephanie thinks it could be an overreaction. Kayla argues that it could be dangerous. Stephanie says that everyone is conditioned to freak out over white powder. Alex brings up the disturbing fan letters that Stephanie has been receiving which Kayla questions. Stephanie says it’s probably nothing but tells her that she has gotten letters from someone claiming to be in love with her. Alex notes that the letter was similar to the ones he showed Steve. Kayla guesses this is what Steve wasn’t telling her. Steve says he didn’t want to worry her. Stephanie argues that Kayla isn’t the only one in the dark and questions Alex not telling her that he brought Steve in on this. Steve brings up how there were more letters all saying the same basic things while Alex notes that there were no threats or escalation, so there was nothing the police could really do about it. Steve says lucky for them, he’s not the police. Steve informs them that he got a message from one of his contacts as he had the letters ran for prints. Alex thought they couldn’t find anything. Steve says he thought it would be worth it to try and that only Holly’s prints were found since she brought the letter, so the writer must have gone out of his way to make sure his prints were not on it. Kayla worries that could be because he knows he’s already in the system and has a criminal record which Steve points out could mean a history of doing things worse than writing creepy fan letters.

Jada reveals to Gwen and Susan that her team didn’t find any sign of forced entry in the DiMera Mansion and they are interviewing the staff now. Jada asks if Gwen is sure she didn’t see anyone unusual there. Gwen assures there was no one else there, like EJ just vanished. Susan points out that EJ would never leave his phone behind unless he was dragged out against his will, so Gwen hands the phone over. Jada finds it strange that the phone has been wiped and asks if there’s any idea why EJ would do that. Susan says absolutely not which means someone erased his phone so they can’t find out what’s on there.

EJ assures Chad that he shares his frustrations with being trapped. Chad remarks that he’s not sure that he does. EJ argues that if anyone can empathize with him about being estranged from his son, it’s him. Chad explains that he doubts his sincerity and brings up Kristen thinking EJ was behind this. EJ remarks that Kristen will have to eat crow since he’s met the same fate. Chad argues that whatever they injected with had he and Theo knocked out cold while EJ seemed to shake it off in minutes. EJ questions what possible motive he could have. Chad points out that Kristen thought he wanted to take over DiMera Enterprises. EJ mocks the idea that he would run DiMera from in here. EJ asks if Chad believes this same theory. Chad argues that EJ is never the victim and more often the victimizer. Chad asks EJ to look in his eyes and tells him he’s not behind this.

Stephanie questions why the letter writer would send the white powder to Alex. Steve explains that the writer is obsessed with Stephanie and wants to be with her, but that’s not possible as long as she’s with someone else. Stephanie asks if they want Alex out of the way so they can live happily ever after. Kayla calls it all just speculation while no one knows anything. Alex gets a call from Javi, hoping he has good news.

Susan calls it obvious that someone erased EJ’s phone so the cops couldn’t see what was on it and declares that someone is the person who kidnapped him. Gwen goes along with that idea but Jada is not so sure, questioning why they would waste time to erase the phone. Jada feels the phone was wiped clean to erase any evidence of something illegal, either by EJ or someone he knows. Susan argues that EJ is a victim. Jada says the facts are that EJ rejected security detail and they’ve found nothing suspicious while he was a suspect in his siblings disappearance. Jada suggests EJ could have staged his kidnapping to throw them off the trail. Susan refuses to believe it and tells Jada to go find EJ because the longer he’s gone, the more danger he’s in.

EJ tells Chad that his accusations are absurd and insulting. EJ questions why he would have needed to take Kristen out if he wanted control of DiMera when she was in prison for shooting him. Chad argues that EJ always has to have a grand plan up his sleeve. EJ responds that maybe he’s in just as much danger as they are and whoever kidnapped them is trying to sow the seeds of dissension between them.

Alex and Stephanie return home with Steve and Kayla where Javi has Alex sign papers as they reveal the powder was just sugar and the letter was from his great Aunt Betsy, writing him a thank you note for sending her a fruitcake. Javi jokes that he should probably send all of his neighbors fruitcakes because they won’t be happy about having to evacuate the building over powdered sugar. They thank Javi as he exits. Alex feels like an idiot for overreacting. Kayla understands given all that was going on with Stephanie. Steve says he hates to say it but it could only be a matter of time before the letter writer becomes dangerous. Stephanie says she doesn’t disagree but asks what to do about it now. Steve suggests around the clock protection which he’d be happy to provide. Steve then declares that until they know more about who is sending the letters, he’s moving in.

Jada assures Susan that she’s taking EJ’s disappearance very seriously and she’s just being transparent about theories. Jada says she will take EJ’s phone to the lab to see if they can recover any data, pointing out that there’s no such thing as fully erasing something digital so she hopes their tech guys can pull something from it. Gwen then drops her drink, smashing the glass. As they go to pick it up, Jada then finds a syringe under the table. Susan argues that she knew someone injected EJ before dragging him away. Jada says she will bring it to the lab so they will know more. Jada adds that she’s more inclined to believe Susan now and promises to be in touch as she exits. Gwen tells Susan that she got what she wanted as the police are now on the hunt for EJ. Susan says that’s no thanks to Gwen as she feels like Gwen was trying to stop the cops from snooping around here. Gwen calls that absurd. Susan accuses her of hiding something and warns that if she finds out she had anything to do with EJ, she’ll have to answer to her and EJ won’t be the only one to vanish without trace.

EJ asks if Chad wants to keep throwing baseless accusations at him or if they should focus on getting out. Theo comes back and asks if everything is alright. EJ questions his nap. Theo says it’s hard to nap while they are going at it. Chad apologizes for waking him up. Theo says he’s glad they did because he noticed Kristen talking in her sleep and he felt her forehead, so she’s burning up with a bad fever. Theo questions what they can do about that while trapped here.

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Days Update Friday, December 12, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Johnny finishes a call with Chanel at home, telling her that Trey has been asleep for the past hour. He hangs up as Leo arrives. Johnny tells him that Trey is sleeping but Leo says he actually came to see Johnny because he needs his help.

Alex and Stephanie carry a Christmas tree through the town square. Alex jokes that he’s never met anyone who loves Christmas as much as Stephanie as they kiss.

Cat joins Rafe in his office where Rafe tells her about Jada’s search warrant and that everything Cat saw in the secret room was gone. Cat doesn’t understand how that’s possible. Rafe feels someone knew Cat was down there investigating and she got caught, so now her whole cover might be blown.

Gwen joins EJ in the living room of the DiMera Mansion and complains about him summoning her. EJ informs Gwen that someone tipped off Jada that Dr. Rolf had been occupying the secret room. Gwen is shocked and questions who would do that. EJ says that’s his question exactly.

Theo examines the bone he found in the DiMera Crypt. Theo asks Chad if they should wake up Kristen and Tony. Chad says to let them sleep. Chad then declares that he thinks he knows who the bone belongs to.

Alex and Stephanie sit together in the town square. Stephanie says she might write her next book about Christmas with lots of romance and intimate encounters. Alex likes the idea and suggests having their own intimate encounters like making love under the Christmas tree tonight as they kiss. Stephanie says first they have to get their Christmas Tree home. As they pick up the tree, Alex spots Jeremy Horton joining Maggie in the town square as they walk away. Jeremy tells Maggie about his recent trip to New York. Maggie calls it her goal for next year to get to go there. Jeremy remarks that he got in later than expected, but he’s now very happy to be back.

Johnny questions what Leo needs his help with. Leo tells him that it must remain entirely confidential, assuming he’s still on the outs with EJ. Johnny confirms that things between he and EJ are at an all time low and he doesn’t see that swinging back. Leo is glad because he calls Johnny a good man while EJ is not and thinks Johnny is better off being estranged from him for the sake of his sanity. Leo then says that’s none of his business but Johnny says everything he said is true. Johnny asks what he can do to help.

Gwen asks EJ why she would let Dr. Rolf out of the bag when her future depends on his experiments just as much as EJ’s. EJ argues that no one else knew Dr. Rolf was there. Gwen brings up Susan. EJ says that Susan swears that she didn’t say a word to anyone and she would never betray him. Gwen insists that she didn’t say anything to Jada and suggests they stop fighting and use their brains to find out who the real culprit is.

Cat knows Rafe is upset with her. Rafe argues that Cat drugging EJ and searching the mansion was a huge and unnecessary risk. Cat argues that she owned up to that but there’s no evidence to suggests that she had anything to do with it. Rafe declares that if EJ is onto her, then their whole operation goes up in smoke.

Stephanie and Alex bring their Christmas tree home. Alex thinks it looks great while Stephanie feels it’s crooked, so they each try fixing it and end up knocking it over.

Maggie thinks Jeremy has found his calling as a teacher. Jeremy says he got lucky with his class but there’s been a few bumps in the road. Maggie mentions that Brady told her what happened with Rachel. Jeremy hopes that she gets the help she needs and brings up Thomas. Maggie feels awful about Thomas being caught in the middle of the custody battle. Maggie brings up Jeremy being vocal in his support of Chad. Jeremy sees Chad as the kids’ only parent, so he thinks taking him away from them is a huge mistake and he’s baffled that Jennifer can’t see that. Maggie admits she’s torn on the whole thing but she’s glad Chad has him in his corner and she hopes someone finds him soon.

Leo tells Johnny that he needs his expertise, bringing up how Johnny uncovered EJ’s use of AI at the trial. Leo says that he was watching footage from the gala and saw EJ in a discussion with Gwen, but he has no idea what they were talking about. Leo asks Johnny how good he is at zooming in on footage and boosting sound. Johnny says that he can give it a try but questions why he’s doing this and what has Leo so interested in Gwen and EJ.

Gwen asks EJ what he did with Dr. Rolf anyway since she sees he’s no longer on the premises. EJ says that all she needs to know is that he’s been relocated, but agrees that they need to get to the bottom of who really alerted the authorities to Dr. Rolf’s presence. Gwen insists that it was not her and brings up all the servants in the mission. EJ calls them longtime employees who are fiercely loyal. Gwen asks if it’s possible that someone saw Dr. Rolf coming out of the tunnels. Gwen suggests upgrading to a proper security system. Gwen remarks that then his family might not be able to screw each other over so much and compares it to a game of clue. EJ laughs and then declares that he thinks he knows who tipped off the authorities.

Cat apologizes to Rafe and argues that her excuse is being so worried about Chad. Rafe argues that they don’t even know if EJ is involved in Chad’s disappearance which is why she has to take her emotions out of it until the operation is done. Rafe reminds Cat that her life could depend on it. Cat responds that she understands that now. Rafe says he’s glad, but it might be too late because if EJ knows she drugged him and was rummaging around the mansion, he will likely retaliate and she could’ve put Chad’s life in more danger.

Chad tells Theo that he hates to say it or even think about it, but they never found Abigail’s body after she went missing from her grave which shocks Theo. Chad says the idea makes him sick. Theo takes a closer look at the bones and concludes that he doesn’t think they belong to Abigail.

Jeremy asks Maggie how she’s doing as he heard Titan has been going through tough times. Maggie confirms they’ve had a rough patch. Jeremy tells her to say the word if she needs anything from him. Maggie responds that there actually is something she wanted to ask him.

Alex suggests getting another Christmas tree but Stephanie doesn’t want to cut down another one. They talk about someday planting their own trees when they have a yard along with a puppy and kids.

Cat tells Rafe that he’s made his point and asks if they can get back to the case now. Cat wants to focus on finding Chad instead of assigning blame. Cat tells Rafe that she’s been putting together a timeline starting with Chad checking in to Salem Inn the night before Thanksgiving. Rafe mentions Julie and EJ receiving texts from Chad’s phone which makes him wonder if the calls Tony supposedly made to the cruise ship were actually from him. Cat feels the kidnapper was clearly trying to delay. Rafe points out that if EJ took Chad right before his custody trial, he knew he’d be reported missing immediately. Cat suggests maybe EJ doesn’t have anything to do with it. Rafe responds that if he does, maybe he knows they are onto him.

Gwen asks EJ who it was then. EJ tells her that Leo has been buzzing around for weeks and Rita caught him at the lab back in October. EJ argues that he told Gwen to befriend Leo again but she’s done the complete opposite. Gwen argues that she tried. EJ asks if she’s sure she didn’t say anything to Leo. Gwen insists that Leo knows nothing about anything. EJ wants to take Gwen’s word for it, but he’s going to need much better assurance than that. Gwen asks what he means. EJ warns that if he doesn’t get that assurance, he will have to take care of Leo on his own, one way or another.

Leo tells Johnny about EJ building a secure lab behind the new free clinic and that Gwen claims EJ let her in as a potential donor, but he doesn’t believe her. Johnny talks about Gwen being a DiMera by marriage so it could’ve been family stuff. Leo argues that Gwen doesn’t do anything unless there’s something in it for her. Johnny asks if Leo’s determination to get to the bottom of this is about EJ or Dimitri. Leo says it’s about the story he’s been working on for weeks. Leo acknowledges that Dimitri broke his heart, but says that he has moved on and whatever EJ and Gwen are working on has front page story all over it. Leo adds that the sudden disappearance of Johnny’s family members could be tied to it. Johnny admits that Leo has piqued his interest and decides to see what they can find out.

Alex and Stephanie get their Christmas tree set up and agree it’s not perfect. They are interrupted by Stephanie’s phone ringing but she ignores it which surprises Alex. Stephanie doesn’t want to be more focused on work than on them. Stephanie declares her new year’s resolution is to find more balance between her work life and love life. Alex likes the sound of that. Stephanie decides that she will start that resolution a little early as they kiss onto the couch.

Jeremy asks Maggie how he can help. Maggie tells him that it’s recently come to their attention that one of their authors contracted through Titan Publishing has received a string of letters from a besotted fan who seems to live in Salem. Jeremy assumes the author is Stephanie and that Alex put her up to asking him about this. Maggie confirms that Alex and Kate both shared their concerns. Jeremy guesses that because of his distant history with Stephanie, Maggie thinks the fan is him.

Johnny and Leo go over the gala video. Johnny isn’t sure about isolating the sound but he’s pretty sure Holly got a wide shot, so he zooms in on their lips and asks Leo what he can make out. Leo says it looks like EJ is telling Gwen to handle something and she doesn’t look happy about it. Leo questions Gwen saying something about a delivery. Johnny says it will take awhile but he’ll work on it a little more to see what he can figure out and he will send him the video as soon as he’s done.

Cat comments on Rafe seeming very determined to keep EJ as the number one suspect and questions if he’s the one making it personal now. Rafe questions Cat giving EJ the benefit of the doubt while knowing what they know about him. Cat thinks Rafe may be biased and it could be clouding his judgment. Rafe insists that he knows the DiMeras and they will generally choose money and power. Rafe adds that they don’t have other suspects lined up, so until they have hard evidence, his money is on EJ.

Theo tells Chad that he took an anatomy class in college and the bone is a femur bone, acknowledging that Abigail was shorter than whoever the bones belong to. Chad is relieved as Theo guesses the bones belonged to a man.

Gwen tells EJ to let her handle this as she can get through to Leo. EJ argues that she said that before but Leo remains a thorn in their side. EJ asks if Gwen wants their whole plan blown to hell because she didn’t have the stomach to take out Leo herself. Gwen asks what EJ is going to do to Leo. EJ decides it’s best that she not know. EJ then turns away and calls Rita to tell her that he has an important job for her that he needs done ASAP.

Alex and Stephanie bring out the Christmas ornaments. Alex comments on how they will have to replace the ones they have with the ones their kids end up making. Stephanie points out that it’s the second time today that he’s brought up having kids. Alex guesses it was on his mind after Johnny was showing him pictures of Trey and admits he was kind of envious, but decides he will refrain from that topic for a bit as he saw how reluctant she was to discuss having kids when they were with Trey. Alex says that before he met Stephanie, he never thought he would settle down or have kids, but now he’s with the woman of his dreams so it just feels right as they hug.

Jeremy can’t believe he was first accused of outing Stephanie as Anastasia Sands which he didn’t do and now they think he’s writing obsessed letters. Jeremy is disappointed in how little Maggie thinks of him. Maggie apologizes for upsetting him. Jeremy questions if she thought accusing him of being a nutjob wouldn’t upset him. Maggie apologizes again and explains that Alex told her that Steve had the handwriting analyzed and it was written by someone left-handed. Jeremy responds that he’s ambidextrous and questions how that would lead her to believe that he was the idiot who wrote those letters. Maggie says it didn’t, she just felt like she had to ask. Jeremy responds that he no longer feels she is on his side which is sad for him because she was like a Grandma to him and he thought she had his back but it turns out she thinks the worst of him just like everybody else. Jeremy then storms off, leaving Maggie upset.

Gwen exits the DiMera Mansion as Leo arrives and says she’s just who he was coming to see. Gwen tells Leo that he shouldn’t be here. Leo responds that he has video evidence that she and EJ are in dastardly cahoots. Leo declares that after he exposes what they are up to, she will be facing incarceration unless she comes clean right now.

Chad questions Theo being sure that the bone belonged to a man. Theo says it’s his best guess and points out that there are a few DiMera males who have been missing for quite some time like Stefan and Dimitri. Chad points out that it’s possible it’s not a DiMera at all but a DiMera enemy since a few of those who have met an unfortunate demise. They are then startled by a noise at the door.

Alex guesses he and Stephanie should get to work now. Alex says he hates to leave her but he looks forward to decorating for Christmas with her. Stephanie says she’ll be waiting. Alex kisses her and then goes to leave when he sees a fan mail letter on the table. Alex stops and opens the envelope, then drops it in shock.

The person in all black is in front of their computer screen under the “SandsFan69” name that wrote about wanting to get rid of Anastasia Sands’ boyfriend so they could finally be together reads a response from “Devoted&Unseen” that says “Don’t try to kill him. If you go to prison, you’ll never get the girl”. They write back asking why they didn’t think of that and that they will have to make sure they don’t get caught.

Johnny wonders what EJ is up to now and remarks to himself that every time he thinks he might want a relationship with his father, he goes and does something like this. Johnny promises baby Trey that he will never hurt him in that way and he’ll always be the kind of father he can be proud of.

Cat tells Rafe that she needs to get to work and asks to continue this later. Rafe tells her to do them both a favor and not take any more dumb risks. Rafe advises her to watch her back because if EJ is onto her, her whole family could be in danger. Cat then exits the office.

Gwen knows Leo is champing at the bit to nail EJ, but suggests he should think about Javi. Leo asks what Javi has to do with anything. Gwen remarks that Leo will want to protect Javi from seeing his lifeless body being pulled out of the Salem river. Gwen warns that’s exactly what’s going to happen if Leo doesn’t stop spewing his nonsense everywhere. Gwen suggests Leo go away for awhile as she heads back inside to the DiMera Mansion. Gwen goes back to the living room and finds EJ is gone. Gwen goes to pour a drink but sees that EJ’s cell phone has been left on the ground.

Theo and Chad are shocked as EJ’s unconscious body is dumped in to the DiMera Crypt with them.

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