'Tis the season in Salem, and, while some traditions have stayed the same, changes are plentiful
Sentimental celebrations make several Salemites reflect on the years gone by and especially last year's holiday
A jittery Julie receives a yuletide surprise when her loved ones show up for the tree-trimming tradition
The Horton home is filled with family and friends, and possibly Xander, who Maggie extended an invitation to
Xander presents Sarah with a gift from the heart, while Jack and Jennifer are heartsick over J.J.'s confession
A concerned Jack and Jennifer are there for J.J. when he admits to his drug addiction, and they pledge to help their son
It's sunnier days ahead for jailbirds Hattie and Eve, who receive the gift of freedom for the holidays
Though grateful to Abigail, Eve plans a drastic move, and she is not one to go quietly into the night
Looking for her own new start, Hattie makes a bold move by asking her "Mr. Roman" for a mighty big favor
Trouble seems to find Hattie when she's not looking for it, as she gets a look at "Steve" hiding in Kate's boudoir
Despite her feelings for Justin and plans to have a merry Christmas with him, Kayla can't seem to shake memories of Steve
Kayla reflects on past holidays with Steve, especially the one where he dressed up like Santa Claus to surprise her
Traditions abound, and Kayla is present as the Christmas story is read at University Hospital, but others lurk, as well
The past and present may collide as Stefano shows up at the hospital's holiday party, dressed as jolly old Saint Nick
While Stefano yearns to secure his "Queen of the Night," Kayla can't shake the feeling there's something familiar about this sneaky Santa
A shaken Stefano attempts to evade Kayla, but he can't run forever, as Kristen and Lani are done running and return to Salem
Making good on her promises to reclaim her life, Lani makes strides toward destroying an unsuspecting Gabi
Chad has a good time reading his children a holiday tale while Justin reads Kate the riot act and puts her on notice
Still, Kate isn't a fan of Sonny spending time with Evan, and she's certainly not a fan of Princess Gina
Rafe ends the rumble between her royalty Princess Gina and Kate, but he's left with many, many questions
Princess Gina is put in the hot seat as Rafe wants to know why "Hope" and Kate are at war with one another
Having spent some time together over the holidays, things get hot when Nicole spontaneously smooches Brady
Nicole kissing Brady isn't on everyone's Christmas list, and it's sure to burn one Salemite in particular
John might wish Abe's visit was simply to spread Christmas cheer, but the mayor has an ominous update...
Abe relays that, using her sixth sense, his former mother-in-law, Celeste, has given them reason to worry that the Phoenix has indeed returned
As John attempts to wrap his head around Abe's news, Marlena finds herself puzzled, as well, by another peculiar present
Keeping Victor in the dark, Will and Marlena make a merry moment happen between Ben and Ciara, who share a holiday kiss
Kassie DePaiva exits Days of our Lives, shares goodbye to fans on social media
Greg Vaughan, Linsey Godfrey temporarily check out of Days of our Lives
Alison Sweeney reveals she is returning to Days of our Lives in the summer of 2020
Days of our Lives brings former The Young and the Restless star Emily O'Brien to Salem
Multiple recasts come with Days of our Lives' time jump storyline
Princess Gina feels Marlena's ire regarding John while Hattie hears Roman's rules of conduct
Kristen and Lani land a bombshell on Salem, and Kristen also explodes on Nicole, and the two tussle
It's a fight for his life, but Ben has Ciara's support as his fate is decided during his last appeal
Kayla is taken aback when she finally encounters Steve, only not all is what it seems in Salem
Related: Days of our Lives renewed for a 56th season
Related: Exec says Days of our Lives time jump is impetus for even MORE major changes to Salem
One once-sweet Salemite child has certainly experienced growing pains (and might become a general pain)
Salem's revolving door will be rotating in full effect this fall, and a prodigal son may return
Just as one sordid scheme seems to be coming to an end, a deadly twist changes everything
The holiday season isn't always merry and bright in Salem, and New Year's, especially, will certainly begin with a bang
