The December 22 episode of The Young and the Restless proves once again that Genoa City never does calm holidays. Instead, it delivers Christmas chaos wrapped in danger, betrayal, and emotional explosions—especially for the Newman family. Between a kidnapping plot spiraling out of control and a marriage pushed to the breaking point, this episode sets the stage for fallout that won’t be cleaned up by the New Year.
The drama begins quietly at the cottage, where Noah and Sienna attempt to enjoy a moment of normalcy. They sit down to eat BLTs she prepared, trying to pass as an ordinary couple enjoying a peaceful day. It’s almost sweet—too sweet for Genoa City. Sharon drops by, clearly anxious because she hasn’t been able to reach Nick. Her worry hangs in the air, but she eventually leaves for work, hoping distraction will help. That’s when everything starts to unravel.
Noah persuades Sienna to let him show her around town, assuring her that it’s safe. They leave Sharon a note and slip out of what was supposed to be a secure location. Almost immediately, Sharon returns, having forgotten something, and realizes they’ve left the protected ranch. Nick finally arrives, apologetic and alarmed. He explains that he was out of cell range while reviewing security footage—and then delivers the worst news possible. Matt Clark, also known as Mitch Boll, is back in town, and he’s teamed up with Annie Stewart, a corrupt cop. Sharon panics as it hits her that Noah and Sienna are now exposed.
As if tempting fate on purpose, Noah and Sienna ditch their security detail and stop at Crimson Lights for coffee. Noah happily reconnects with Esther Valentine, but Esther is noticeably chilly toward Sienna. Years in Genoa City have taught Esther to trust her instincts, and Sienna sets off every internal alarm she has.
Elsewhere, the tone turns darker. In the park, Matt orders Annie to deal with Sienna, no matter how difficult it may be. Annie hesitates, pointing out that Noah has been keeping Sienna protected in a Newman suite. She even questions whether Matt’s vendetta against the entire Newman family is worth the risk. Matt, however, is deep in full villain mode. He insists the Newmans deserve payback for everything they’ve done and claims he has nothing left to lose. He demands Annie confirm her loyalty, pushing the plan forward.
Back in public, Noah takes Sienna to the park and receives a call from Nick. He brushes off the danger with classic Newman confidence, downplaying the threat. Moments later, everything turns shocking. Sienna strikes Noah on the head, knocking him unconscious. Whether this act is betrayal, desperation, or proof she’s being coerced is immediately unclear. The answer becomes even murkier when Annie appears, pulls a gun on Sienna, and orders her to come along. Whatever Sienna’s motives were, it’s obvious she’s not in control now.
Meanwhile, at the GCAC, Tessa interrupts a tense conversation between Phyllis and Daniel. Phyllis quickly shifts focus, interrogating Tessa about Mariah and pressing for updates on her return. Tessa admits she’s received news, and it isn’t encouraging. Daniel cuts the conversation short, but Phyllis does what she does best—she pivots. Sensing opportunity, she messages Billy to meet, already plotting her next move.
On the corporate front, Diane asks Michael Baldwin for help proving that Victor has the dangerous AI program. She frames it as a way to save Victor from himself. Michael reluctantly agrees to look into it, but when he probes Victor about his next move against Jabot, Victor shuts him down fast, snapping that it’s none of his business and hanging up. Victor is clearly guarding his secrets like nuclear codes.
Phyllis meets Billy and makes her demand clear. In exchange for helping the Abbotts steal the AI program, she wants McCall Unlimited signed over to Summer. It’s not a negotiation—it’s leverage, pure and simple.
At the Newman Ranch, Adam updates Victor on Jack, warning that Jack would burn Jabot to the ground himself before letting Victor destroy it. Victor seems almost amused—until Nikki arrives. Nikki unleashes her fury, accusing Victor of going too far. She demands a public apology, insists the AI program be handed over so it can be destroyed, and declares she’ll leave him if he refuses. Victor’s response is brutal. He coldly points her toward the door and tells her to get out.
By the end of the episode, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Noah’s head injury is likely only the beginning of a much larger crisis, and Sienna’s actions may either condemn her or expose how deeply trapped she is in Matt’s scheme. As for Victor and Nikki, this isn’t just another argument—it’s a rupture. If Victor truly pushes Nikki out, the question becomes chillingly simple: who is Victor Newman without her, and who will be holding that dangerous AI program when the next disaster hits?