Christmas week arrives in Salem, but peace, goodwill, and festive cheer are nowhere to be found. Instead, Monday’s episode of Days of Our Lives launches the holiday stretch with fear, heartbreak, and revelations that threaten to permanently alter the balance of power across town. From the dark depths of the DiMera catacombs to the emotional wreckage inside the Kiriakis mansion, this episode proves once again that in Salem, the holidays only amplify the pain.

At the center of the chaos is a mystery that has gripped fans for weeks: who is holding the DiMeras hostage? The long-awaited reveal finally begins to unfold — but true to Days form, clarity only breeds deeper danger.

The DiMera Kidnapper: A Reveal That Raises More Questions Than Answers

Monday pulls viewers straight back into the suffocating darkness of the DiMera catacombs, where the family’s captivity takes a chilling turn. The episode delivers a long-teased reveal involving Peter Blake, whose presence alone is enough to unsettle even the most hardened Salem residents. Seeing Peter stunned, disoriented, and seemingly confused sends shockwaves through the story. Is this the face of a mastermind… or a man who has lost control of the game he helped set in motion?

Peter Blake has never been a simple villain. His history with the DiMera family is tangled with resentment, manipulation, and a desperate desire to prove himself worthy of their power. That makes his apparent confusion deeply suspicious. Is he playing everyone — including his captives — or has he underestimated a far more dangerous ally?

That question points directly toward Dr. Wilhelm Rolf, whose name looms large over every twisted DiMera storyline. If anyone possesses the technical knowledge, underground access, and moral detachment required to orchestrate such a complex kidnapping, it’s Rolf. Yet even that explanation feels incomplete. Rolf rarely acts without purpose, and the scale of this operation suggests something bigger than revenge or loyalty.

A chilling possibility begins to take shape: what if this kidnapping isn’t about harming the DiMeras — but protecting them from an even greater threat still lurking in the shadows?

Kristen DiMera’s Medical Crisis Raises the Stakes

As if captivity weren’t terrifying enough, Kristen DiMera’s health takes a dangerous turn. A raging fever and worsening infection strip Kristen of the one thing she has always relied on — control. Watching one of Salem’s most formidable women rendered physically helpless is unsettling, and Stacy Haiduk delivers every ounce of desperation with raw intensity.

The situation becomes increasingly dire as the infection threatens to turn septic. Without proper medical care, Kristen’s life is genuinely at risk. Suddenly, the kidnapper’s identity becomes more than a mystery — it becomes a ticking clock. Will they step in to save her, exposing themselves in the process? Or will Kristen’s condition force a rescue attempt that could turn deadly?

Either way, Kristen’s illness shifts the entire power dynamic. Whoever is behind this must decide how far they’re willing to go — and whether their endgame is worth risking a DiMera death.

Marlena Evans Faces a Christmas Without John

Above ground, the emotional core of the episode unfolds through Dr. Marlena Evans, who is quietly unraveling under the weight of grief, guilt, and fractured family ties. This is Marlena’s first Christmas without John Black, and the absence is palpable in every scene. The memories, the traditions, the unspoken moments — all of it crashes down at once.

Adding to her heartbreak is the rift with Brady Black. Marlena’s decision to keep Rachel’s whereabouts a secret was made out of love, but in Salem, good intentions rarely survive unscathed. Brady’s sense of betrayal cuts deep, and Marlena is left questioning whether she crossed a line she can never come back from.

Her guilt is relentless. She believes she failed as a mother, a grandmother, and a moral compass — a devastating internal battle for a woman who has spent her life guiding others through darkness.

Paulina Price Steps Up in an Unexpected Way

In a quietly powerful turn, Paulina Price emerges as an unexpected source of comfort. Known for her bold personality and commanding presence, Paulina shows a softer, deeply empathetic side as she reaches out to Marlena. Having made difficult choices of her own in the name of protection, Paulina understands the cost of secrecy — and the loneliness it creates.

Their scenes offer something rare: two strong women sharing vulnerability without judgment. Paulina doesn’t excuse Marlena’s actions, but she refuses to let her drown in self-loathing. It’s a moment of grace that underscores one of Days’ greatest strengths — friendship forged through shared pain.

The Black Family at a Crossroads

Meanwhile, Belle Black steps into the role of mediator, urging Brady to consider the full scope of his mother’s grief. Belle understands his anger — keeping Rachel from him was a devastating breach of trust — but she also knows their family has survived horrors far worse.

Brady isn’t ready to forgive, but Belle’s words plant a seed. With Christmas Eve approaching, the possibility of reconciliation hangs in the balance. Whether Brady chooses compassion or cuts Marlena off entirely could define their relationship for years to come.

Teen Heartbreak: Tate and Holly’s Dream Dies

As if the episode weren’t heavy enough, heartbreak strikes in the younger set when Tate drops a bombshell on Holly: their long-anticipated trip to Paris is canceled. What was meant to be a romantic escape becomes yet another casualty of Salem’s endless crises.

Tate’s reasons are noble — staying in town for Rachel and supporting Brady — but Holly has been clinging to this trip as a lifeline. Paris represented freedom, romance, and a break from constant turmoil. Losing it feels personal, even if she tries to hide her disappointment.

Complicating matters further is Tate’s looming academic trouble. If he’s also hiding the truth about his grades, the foundation of their relationship begins to crack. Once that secret surfaces, Holly may feel like she’s been pushed aside for everyone else’s needs — a realization that could permanently alter their future.

Final Thoughts: A Holiday Week That Changes Everything

Monday’s episode sets the tone for a relentless holiday week. The DiMera kidnapping spirals toward a dangerous reveal, Kristen’s life hangs in the balance, Marlena’s grief reaches a breaking point, and young love faces its first true test.

In Salem, Christmas doesn’t bring peace — it brings truth. And once these truths come to light, no one will walk away unchanged.

As the mysteries deepen and emotions boil over, one thing is certain: the choices made this week will echo long after the decorations come down. Because on Days of Our Lives, the holidays don’t heal old wounds — they tear them wide open.