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At their place, Johnny has been dealing with calls from Theo’s friends and updating them before the little family packs up to head to the hospital to be with him, Paulina, and Abe.

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Christmas at Salem Hospital

After having cleaned up, EJ and Chad are back at the hospital to check on Theo and Kristen. They also discuss whether to keep Peter on life support, and that it may be too much to ask of Kristen to weigh in on right now.

Talk shifts to Chad’s kids, and there is a big snowstorm keeping them all in Boston right now. EJ says when they return home, will Jennifer continue this ridiculous custody battle? Chad says they’ll find out.

Sarah checks on Kristen and says she should be back on her feet in no time. The doctor tells her that she’s a hero; she saved her family. Kristen says Peter is her family too, and her child is at Bayview. Kristen asks Sarah to try to get a message to her daughter for her if she can.

Paulina and Abe sit vigil at Theo’s bedside, as he’s still unconscious. Paulina tells Theo about the massive Christmas feast they are going to have, and they will be waiting for him to come home to celebrate.

Paulina has to take a call and steps out. Abe sits by his son and thinks back to spending so many hours by his bedside when he was shot. Abe looks up and asks Lexi to bring them a miracle again today. (I don’t think she’s up there, Abe, I think she’s in the green capsule in the secret lab!)

Brady runs into Sarah in the halls, and he asks how Kristen is doing. Sarah says she’s physically fine, but mentally and emotionally, she’s been through a lot. She knows Rachel is at Bayview, and Brady admits he hasn’t told his daughter about Kristen. He’s going to see her today, but first he needs to talk to Kristen.

Brady heads in to see Kristen, who immediately asks how he could send Rachel to Bayview. He explains she needed more help than they could give her, and he didn’t see the signs of how bad she was. Kristen knows this isn’t all on him, and he says he failed their little girl in part as he was kept in the dark about EJ’s shooting.

Kristen couldn’t put the weight of the truth on him, and she’d rather he thought she was the monster than see Rachel in a different light. Brady says he loves Rachel just as much as he ever has. Kristen explains it’s not about love; she sees Peter in a different light now, and she didn’t want him looking at Rachel like that. She tried to protect him and Rachel. Brady says part of him is angry at her, but part of her is grateful.

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Chanel, Johnny and Trey arrive, and Chanel takes the baby to the gift shop to give Johnny a moment with his dad. Johnny tells him that he’s glad he’s okay. EJ tries to lighten the mood by bringing up Johnny taking up the reins at DiMera, but Johnny says it’s only temporary until Theo is back.

EJ notes that Theo could be facing a long recovery, and he’ll support his son however he can. Johnny appreciates that, and they exchange Merry Christmases, but no hugs.

Chanel runs into Sarah, and she’s been trying to stay positive while waiting for her test results.

Marlena Has a Big Surprise!

Marlena surprises Rachel in Bayview, and the little girl says she’s missed her so much. Marlena says now that she’s well enough, they can spend more time together. Marlena also says she has a special gift for her today…

Back at the hospital, Rachel has gotten to come home for Christmas! (Hope she doesn’t get a Red Ryder BB gun!) She’s with Marlena when they run into Sarah. Sarah tells the girl she got her letter, and it meant a lot to her. Rachel can barely look at her and says she’s sorry for what she did. Sarah knows, and she tells the little girl they are good. Eventually, Rachel smiles.

In Kristen’s room, she tells Brady that she needs to know how Rachel is doing. Brady says she hates being there, but she’s making progress, finally. He has also brought Belle in on this, but Kristen refuses to recant and says she’s going back to Statesville. Brady says Rachel knows the truth, that her mother went to prison for her. Kristen still won’t let Rachel suffer and be judged by all of Salem for what she’s done.

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Sarah comes in and tells Brady they need to speak, and it’s important. They step out, and Brady is reunited with his daughter, who jumps into his arms. Brady talks with Marlena, who explains she pulled some strings at Bayview with a friend to get Rachel a day pass.  Brady thanks her for making this happen. Brady then tells Rachel the big news…

Brady heads back in to see Kristen and surprises her with Rachel, who flies into her mother’s arms. Kristen cries that this is a wonderful Christmas, and Brady gives them time alone.

Brady and Sarah reconnect, and Sarah admits Rachel seems a bit uneasy around her, and she reassures her that they are good. Brady asks if she has time off today, and Sarah does. She’s waiting for The Christmas Story first, even if EJ is reading it this year.

Rachel and her mom get a chance to talk, and Rachel asks if she ran away from prison like everyone said. Kristen cries that that is not what happened, and she’d never leave her.

Paulina returns to Theo and Abe, and brings in Chanel, Johnny and Trey.

Brady rejoins Marlena out in the waiting area and again thanks her for making today happen. He hopes they’ll have Rachel home for good soon. Marlena asks if he’ll be coming by the townhouse for Christmas. He will, and they both know it will be a different Christmas. However, Marlena says she feels John around her all the time.

It’s a No For Chad

Chad and Cat spot one another in Horton Square, and they smile. She then runs into his arms. They are both a bit flustered, and Chad says being in that crypt gave him time to think about his life and choices. As much as he wants to see her again, he can’t lose his kids. She understands, and they part ways. (Jen’s not even on today, and she’s still ruining Christmas!)

Cat heads to the hospital, brings EJ coffee, and says she’s glad to see he’s back and safe. EJ thanks her, says he’s lucky to have her, and they embrace. Chad walks in at that very moment.

In Kristen’s room, Rachel tells her mom she never meant for her to go to prison for something she did. Kristen tells her that she made a choice, and she’d do it again to protect her. Rachel again says she’ll get better so much faster now that she’s coming home. Kristen cries that she has to go back to prison, but Rachel says she’ll confess, as she won’t let her go back.