Days of our Lives behind the scenes: The Horton ornaments come out and Santa comes to play

Days of our Lives warms our hearts and sticks with tradition this week when the Hortons gather around the tree, and the family ornaments come out of the box. Check out some of the behind-the-scenes snaps below.

A Days of our Lives Horton ritual

The Horton ornament tradition began in 1966 when Alice (Frances Reid) decorated the tree with seven ornaments made by her mother-in-law when she and Tom (Macdonald Carey) began having children. The seven ornaments were for Tom, Alice, and their kids, Addie, Tommy, Bill, Mickey, and Marie.

Within a few years, Alice was making new ornaments for each new family member as they were born, adopted, or married into the Horton clan. When the Horton ornaments are brought down from the attic every year, current family members will hang ornaments that belong to their closest loved ones who have passed or are no longer living in Salem.

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For years, Hope (Kristian Alfonso) hung Bo's (Peter Reckell) ornament on the tree. This year, we expect Shawn (Brandon Beemer) to hang ornaments for both of his parents as Hope stayed by a comatose Bo's side in Greece. Ben's (Robert Scott Wilson) and Ciara's (Victoria Konefal) ornaments will also likely come out of the box.

This year will be the first year that Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) will hang Doug's (Bill Hayes) ornament without him by her side as he died on Thanksgiving. It will be a bittersweet day for Julie, but at least she will have family members like Jack (Matthew Ashford), Jennifer (Melissa Reeves), Maggie (Suzanne Rogers), and Sarah (Linsey Godfrey) by her side. Sarah even helps her daughter, Victoria, hang an ornament.

Matthew Ashford, Melissa Reeves, and Casey Moss are back as Jack, Jennifer, and JJ | Image: JPI Studios

Linsey Godfrey poses with baby Victoria | Image Source: JPI Studios

The Horton ornaments are tucked away in their box | Image Source: JPI Studios

This will be Julie's first year without Doug, played by the late Bill Hayes | Image Source: JPI Studios

Christmas for the children

Over at the hospital that Tom Horton loved so much, Santa has gifts and cheer for the children. At one time, Tom donned his Santa suit each year to bring joy to sick kids, but after he passed, various characters have taken on the Kris Kringle role, including Dr. Kayla Brady (Mary Beth Evans).

This year, Abe (James Reynolds) plays Santa and is accompanied by Lani (Sal Stowers) and Eli (Lamon Archey), plus their twins, Jules and Carver. Last year, Abe still couldn't remember who he was or his past in Salem, and this year, he is back in full form, producing a soap opera and spreading holiday cheer.