"THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL": Hope tells Steffy and Liam that she wants to enjoy Christmas without Taylor. Maya shares her news about Rick with Hope and Liam: Rick wants a divorce. Brooke tells Maya she wants her and the baby to move in with her. Taylor realizes that Hope is forcing Steffy to choose between spending time with Taylor and celebrating the holiday with Kelly. Steffy vows to never turn her back on Taylor. Taylor confides in Reese that she did something terrible and that Brooke is using that information against her.

The Forresters, Logans, Avants and Spencers spend Christmas Eve together at the Forrester Estate. The family celebrates baby Kelly's first Christmas; the Logan sisters save Pam and Charlie's Christmas dinner; and, at Ridge's request, each person expresses their blessings to one another. With hearts full of love and gratitude, Xander carries on a Forrester tradition, and Eric reminds everyone of the true meaning of Christmas. Hope and Liam exchange Christmas presents. Ridge gives Steffy a present to give to Taylor before spending much needed father-daughter time together. Zoe demands that Reese stop pretending she was his motivation to move to Los Angeles. Reese vows to Zoe that his days of being irresponsible are behind him. Later, Zoe confesses to Xander that there are things about her father that not even she knows. The thug finds Reese at Il Giardino and makes an astonishing demand. Hope sets up a "babymoon" for her and Liam.

Zoe explains part of Reese's history with women and money to Xander before explaining how his addictions affected her growing up. The thug threatens Reese to pay him or face the consequences. As Hope and Liam are preparing to leave for Catalina Island, Steffy calls Liam to tell him Kelly has a fever. Hope encourages Liam to take care of Kelly and meet her before departure. At the airport, Hope meets Matt and Kieran, who congratulate her on her pregnancy. Liam makes Steffy a promise about the future of their family.

Ridge surprises Brooke with a kiss at work. Steffy and Liam take their daughter Kelly to the doctor as Hope waits for Liam at the airport. Hope and Liam wind up having to travel separately to Catalina Island. By the time Liam arrives at the airport, a wind storm has approached, delaying all flights.

SNEAK PEEK: BABY ISSUES.

"YOUNG AND RESTLESS": Victoria spends the holiday with Billy, who works to keep her spirits lifted. They spend a happy day together as a family, and Victoria and Billy share a few charged moments as their romantic chemistry begins to return. Jack spends the day with Dina, trying hard to remain festive, despite her inability to even recognize her own son. Jack tells Dina a story from their past, reminiscing about a time when she canceled her social plans to spend time with him, and they're both moved by the memory. Devon faces his first Christmas without Hilary, but he's joined by Nate and Ana, who share their holiday traditions and memories with him. Kyle and Lola exchange their gifts: Kyle gives Lola a beautiful bag, and Lola gives him a watch. Sheepishly, Kyle admits that he just bought himself a new one, but he insists that Lola's is far more special to him, and he immediately replaces his fancier watch with the secondhand model she gave him. Despite their growing closeness, Lola later discovers how much Kyle spent on her gift, and she's horrified by how little he knows her.

Meanwhile, Ana confronts Devon for taking credit for the talent she discovered, and he gently puts her in her place as his assistant. He then asks her to sign the writer of Fen's song to the label. Ana insists that that won't be possible, claiming that the songwriter is a reclusive type. Fen immediately sees through her act, accusing Ana of being the songwriter. Ana admits that he's right, but reveals that she's been burned before, and she wants to keep her identity to herself.

As Nikki clings to life after she was run down by Reed, her family and friends prepare for the worst. The cleanup crew fears she may say something about J.T.'s murder if she comes to, but they all want her to live. Victor is standing vigilantly at her bedside, begging Nikki to come back to him. His prayers are answered when she opens her eyes. Fearing she may be in danger, Victor abducts Nikki to keep her safe., unaware that it was Reed who accidentally mowed her down.

SNEAK PEEK: MYSTERY SOLVED.

"DAYS OF OUR LIVES": Everyone is left reeling after Julie reveals Gabi's scam and that Charlotte is Chad's daughter, not Stefan's. Stefan is so crushed by the news that Julie feels sorry for him. Out for revenge, Chad has Ben adduct Gabi. Ben lets her go, and Stefan tells Gabi she will pay dearly for what she did — not with her death, but a shattered life. Rafe is horrified when he learns of Gabi's misdeeds. Abby takes Charlotte to see Chad for Christmas. Abby tells a remorseful Jennifer she does not know if she can forgive all the people who did not believe her when she insisted her DID had not returned. Chad lets Gabi know his disdain for her and her lies. Julie tells Jennifer to not give up when it comes to finding love. Eric tells Chloe he will fight to raise Holly. Haley, a nurse JJ saved from an overdose, tells him to leave her alone when he checks up on her. Kayla tells JJ he could lose his job if he takes a personal interest in a patient. Kate hopes the new year will bring health and happiness for those she loves. Sonny is furious when he finds Leo in his bed. Ciara tells Claire that Tripp needs someone to talk to and it should be Claire. Claire and Tripp exchange Christmas gifts. Hope and Ted continue to plot against Ben.

SNEAK PEEK: JACK'S BACK

"GENERAL HOSPITAL": With his drug trial almost complete, Oscar is about to be released from the hospital. Joss gives him a five-year planner for Christmas. She fills in the first year with things they are going to do together. Jason warns Sonny to stay away from Margaux; she is trouble. Anna and Griffin arrive as Ava is cleaning out Kiki's apartment. Lashing out at him, Ava refuses to let him take anything from the place. Liz tries to help Franco deal with Kiki's death. Carly tells Jason that Sonny is getting too close to Margaux and that if he cheats, they are done. Sonny does not heed Jason's warning to stay away from Margaux. Olivia calls Julian selfish when he will not back away from Kim so she can reunite with Drew. Oscar wants his parents to reunite. Jason is approached by someone who recognizes him. Realizing he thinks he is Drew, Jason sends him to see his twin brother. Sam continues her quest to find out who is dredging up her con artist lifestyle — marrying rich old men and scamming them for their money. Ryan visits Kevin at Ferncliff and reveals his latest murderous crimes. Ned, not wanting the town to panic, is unhappy when Lulu writes a story about Mary Pat and Kiki's deaths being related. Felica tells Laura that Kevin is acting strange and she will help her find out what is wrong. At a grief meeting, Willow reveals she is mourning giving up her child for adoption. Michael tells Willow about losing his baby. At Pentonville, Obrecht gets Nelle to admit the truth about her baby dying. Obrecht says she will keep quiet for now, but one day, she will use the secret. Valentin and Nina revel in their reconciliation.

SNEAK PEEK: A TRULY HAPPY NEW YEAR.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Pixabay