Salem is heading into the new year with secrets, schemes, weddings, and emotional reckonings that promise to change lives forever. From dangerous corporate plotting and high-stakes romances to hospital bedside decisions and shocking returns, Days of Our Lives delivers two explosive weeks packed with drama from December 29 through January 9. At the center of it all? Xander Cook and Kate Roberts, whose alliance could reshape Titan’s future—while love, betrayal, and long-buried truths erupt across town.

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A Quiet Christmas After Loss — But No Peace in Salem

Monday, December 29, opens on a somber note as Marlena Evans faces her first Christmas without John. The weight of grief hangs heavy at her home, now quiet after Brady’s move-out, leaving Marlena and Belle navigating a painful new normal. Roman’s thoughtful visit offers a rare moment of warmth and comfort, reminding viewers that even in Salem’s darkest moments, compassion still exists.

Across town, Steve Johnson and Kayla Brady find a lighter moment, bidding farewell to the Christmas season with romance and laughter. A kiss under the mistletoe at University Hospital reinforces their enduring love—a welcome contrast to the turmoil brewing elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Johnson and Alex Kiriakis savor rare uninterrupted couple time, exchanging gifts and affection. Their happiness feels fragile, however, as secrets and looming dangers threaten to intrude.

Kate Roberts, for her part, is thrilled to have both Philip and Lucas home for Christmas. But this family gathering is only the calm before the storm. Kate’s fierce protectiveness over her children—and their legacy—will soon push her into dangerous territory.

That danger becomes painfully clear when Gabi Hernandez receives devastating news from Rafe. Stefan DiMera is believed to be dead, with Vivian Alamain confirming it. Gabi is crushed—but skepticism remains. In Salem, death is rarely final, and Vivian’s word is never trustworthy.

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Xander and Kate Join Forces — And Titan Is on the Line

By Tuesday, December 30, the stakes rise sharply as Kate and Xander form a plotting partnership that could alter the balance of power at Titan Industries. With Titan facing ruin, both have everything to lose. Kate is determined to protect Philip’s inheritance, while Xander fears losing Victor’s company—and with it, the stability of Maggie’s home and his daughter Victoria’s future.

Their alliance is born not of trust, but necessity. Both are ruthless when cornered, and together they are a formidable force. Whatever they are planning, it won’t be clean—and it won’t be without fallout.

Elsewhere, Leo Stark finds himself questioned by Javi Hernandez, potentially about EJ DiMera’s mysterious lab or the upcoming New Year’s Eve wedding. Meanwhile, Gwen Rizczech lays out a dangerous plan to EJ—one that may involve bringing Dimitri von Leuschner back to Salem. The move could derail Leo’s wedding and conveniently distract him from digging into EJ’s secrets.

Chanel Dupree confides in Johnny DiMera, but his fears about passing on DiMera DNA threaten to strain their marriage. While he frames his concerns as worry for Chanel’s health, it’s clear his terror of creating another DiMera heir runs deep.

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New Year’s Eve: Life, Death, and Impossible Choices

Wednesday, December 31, brings emotional devastation as Kristen DiMera faces the consequences of her actions. Peter Blake lies in a coma, dependent on a ventilator, and the DiMera family must decide whether to continue extraordinary life support. Kristen is wracked with guilt—her attack put Peter in this state, though his own deadly plans justify her actions in her mind.

EJ, Chad, and Tony weigh the unthinkable: pulling the plug. EJ is adamant—Peter is too dangerous to ever wake up. But Kristen may not be able to live with that decision, setting up a brutal family divide.

At the hospital, Chad runs into Cat Greene, creating an awkward and emotionally charged moment. Chad knows he must keep his distance for the sake of his children, but unresolved tension lingers.

Meanwhile, Belle Black makes a calculated legal move, cutting a deal with Melinda Trask that could impact both Sophia’s case and Kristen’s legal fate. Upstairs at Bayview, Rachel and Sophia receive New Year’s Eve visitors, with unspoken crushes and family tension hanging thick in the air.

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Weddings, Proposals, and Shocking Returns

Thursday, January 1, ushers in the new year with joy—and cracks beneath the surface. Leo and Javi’s wedding preparations are in full swing, with the Hernandez family rallying. Marlena steps in as officiant, but Leo seeks her guidance as doubts creep in before he says “I do.”

Chanel and Johnny’s conflict intensifies, as disagreements over her pregnancy—and the risks involved—threaten to tear them apart.

Friday, January 2, delivers the bombshell: Dimitri returns to Salem on the very day of Leo and Javi’s wedding. The timing is no accident—it’s Gwen’s doing. As Leo declares his love, Gwen seethes from the front row, watching her ex-best friend find happiness she believes was stolen from her.

When Dimitri and Leo cross paths again at the DiMera mansion, old feelings resurface, and one kiss could shatter everything. Was Gwen’s mysterious breakup letter part of a larger manipulation? And does Dimitri still love Leo enough to destroy his marriage?

Elsewhere, Kayla surprises Steve, and Alex presents Stephanie with a late gift that may be a life-changing proposal.