How Brady and John Saved Marlena’s Christmas on the December 26 Days of Our Lives

Salem celebrated Christmas on the Thursday, December 26 episode of Days of Our Lives. Abe played Santa after Roman’s allergy attack prevented him from doing so. Jules and Carver had a great time opening presents with their parents, Eli and Lani, and their grandparents, Abe and Paulina. Thanks to Lani, Kristen allowed Brady to spend time with his daughter, Rachel. Meanwhile, this particular holiday seemed like a lonely one for Marlena. But a couple of people made sure to let her know she wasn’t alone.

Brady’s Touching Gift

John (the late Drake Hogestyn) is currently off on a case for the ISA, so he won’t be home for Christmas. And it looked like Marlena (Deidre Hall) really felt his absence. How could she not? Thankfully, Brady (Eric Martsolf) helped make her holiday a little warmer, brighter, and more joyous.

First, he told her she didn’t have to “put on a brave face” for him. He knew she was missing John, something fierce. And then he gave her a great gift that boosted her spirits.

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He gave her a locket, and when she opened it, an old photo of Marlena, John, Brady, and Belle was inside. Marlena was beyond touched. But then Brady made the moment even more special when he told her that the locket belonged to his mom, Isabella (formerly Staci Greason). “I’m pretty sure that Isabella would want my other mom to have it.”

The two hugged deeply before their conversation veered towards Brady, confessing to Marlena that he was dating Ava Vitali (Tamara Braun), and Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) wasn’t happy about it.

John Comes Through for Marlena

When flowers arrived for Marlena early in Thursday’s episode, she thought they were from John. However, they were from Susan (also Stacy Haiduk). She really wanted news about her husband. She even called Shane (Charles Shaughnessy) to find out if there was any way she could talk to John.

READ THIS: A photo preview of the Friday, December 27 episode of DAYS.

As usual, John showed up for his wife when a delivery suddenly arrived for Marlena. When she opened the box, it contained Marlena and John’s go-to romantic treat: strawberries and cream. And with it was a card: “Here’s to being caught up in the rapture of your love for many Christmases to come. Love always, John.”

It was great to see a slice of Marlena’s Christmas, and even though she didn’t have John by her side, he made sure to let her know how much he loved her.