Five Things That Happened On December 26 In Soap History

In 1986, Search For Tomorrow aired its final episode on NBC. Toward the end of its run, producers staged a massive flood that wiped out most of the fictional city of Henderson in a bid to stave off cancellation by tightening the show’s narrative focus, but SFT was axed a few months later. In the final scene of the series, Stu (Larry Haines) approached Jo (Mary Stuart), his dear friend of 35 years, as she looked up at the stars. “What is it, Jo?” he asked. “What are you searching for?” She replied, “Tomorrow. And I can’t wait!”

In 1986, Judi Evans debuted as Adrienne Johnson on Days of Our Lives. Though already a Daytime Emmy-winner for her work as Beth Raines on Guiding Light, Evans admitted to Soap Opera Digest in 2015 that she doubted that she would be a good fit on DAYS, saying, "I remember driving to the set [thinking], ‘I’m not sure they chose the right person. Maybe I should just turn around and go home.’ ” She was an immediate hit in the role, and Adrienne's romance with Justin Kiriakis quickly became a fan fave. Evans's first run on the show ended in 1991, but after a long stint on Another World as Paulina Cory, she returned to DAYS (albeit in another role, that of Bonnie Lockhart) in 2007. She went on to reprise Adrienne, as well.

In 2001, Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) and Kevin Collins (Jon Lindstrom) tied the knot on Port Charles. After Lucy was joyfully reunited with her daughter Christina (a Christmas miracle orchestrated by angel Rafe), Kevin revealed to Lucy that Christina's birth mother, Julie, had decided to relinquish custody of Christina to Lucy permanently. Lucy could barely contain her excitement as the ceremony resumed, and even before the minister asked her if she took Kevin to be her lawfully wedded husband, she gushed, "I do, I really, really, really, really do." Upon the conclusion of the service, Lucy marveled, "Oh, Doc, we did it! We finally did it. We're married!"

In 2001, Jack Abbott (Peter Bergman) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) wed on Young and Restless. They exchanged custom vows. Phyllis told Jack, "I join you in marriage, Jack, to make you my husband for the length of our days. I promise to love and cherish you in happiness and in sorrow. I promise to smile with you, laugh with you and to cry with you. I promise to open my heart to you when I need comfort. And I promise to give you light when your days are dark." Responded the groom, "They said we'd never make it. The odd couple.... Today I believe in love. I believe that love conquers all. I believe that love transforms a man. I believe love gives direction. And I believe that your love for me has made me a greater, stronger, wiser and more humble man."

In 2007, the late Frances Reid aired for the final time as Days of Our Lives Alice Horton. Reid had been with DAYS since its very first episode in November 1965. In her final scene, Alice was shown cradling a photo of her late husband, Tom (played by the late Macdonald Carey). "Merry Christmas, Tom," said Alice in what would turn out to be Reid's final line of dialogue.