Christmas isn’t just about rescues or romantic kisses – it’s also a heartbreaking moment for longtime fans: the Hortons decided to change their Christmas ornament hanging ritual for the first time in 60 years.

Julie Williams, still grieving for her husband Doug, stood before the large Christmas tree in the living room.

She clutched the ornament engraved with Doug’s name, her voice choked with emotion: “This year, we won’t hang it on the tree. We’ll put it near our hearts.”

In that moment, all the Hortons fell silent.

Lani and Eli returned, bringing an old photo of young Doug. Together with Julie, they placed the ornament at the base of the tree, where the candlelight reflected in a warm glow.

DAYS fans called this “the most beautiful scene of the season,” a farewell to an icon and the beginning of a new generation. When Jeremy Horton hung his ornament next to his maternal grandfather’s, the audience knew: the Horton legacy lives on, only changing form – but not the love.