Spend the Holidays With Daytime’s Favorite Families!

By Chris Eades Updated: December 24, 2019

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holiday

The holidays are a time for families to get together and share the love as well as food and drink. Of course, in daytime, soap family gatherings are often ground zero for some juicy drama! Whether it’s a heated confrontation, an emotional confession, or a shocking revelation, daytime celebrations are never boring! But which fictional family would be the best one to spend the holidays with? We took a look at some of the more prominent families on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS, THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL, AS THE WORLD TURNS, and GUIDING LIGHT to compare and contrast.

(Photo Credit: Howard Wise/jpistudios.com; John Paschal/jpistudios.com/ Howard Wise/jpistudios.com)

So whether you’re looking for a massive family celebration or an intimate gathering, drama-full or drama-free, check out our recommendations in the gallery below and see if you agree with them!

And for more on your favorite daytime dramas — past and present — keep reading the CBS edition of Soaps In Depth magazine!

The Newman Family (Y&R)

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No expense will be spared at a Newman holiday party because there's no way that Victor will let anyone in Genoa City show him up, especially not Jack Abbott. However, this year, Nikki's in the hospital and Victor has been AWOL for months! Nick's been holding the family together, but there's only so much he can do. So this might be one year to give the Newmans a miss and try partying somewhere else in Genoa City.
The Forrester Family (B&B)

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The Forresters have a lovely tradition where when they're all gathered around the table, they are supposed to say something nice about the person next to them. The thing is, that rule doesn't always apply when folks aren't sitting down to eat, so you can get an earful of gossip during cocktails! And if you're really lucky, Eric might lead a sing-along at the piano. Oh, but be sure to save room for dessert — Pam's lemon bars may not be a traditional holiday treat, but they're absolutely delicious!
The Snyder Family (ATWT)

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Not only is the Snyder kitchen super homey, but Emma is also a fantastic cook. And you definitely want to be there for the traditional carving of the Hubbard squash. Just brace yourself for the possibility of some drama in case Lily and Holden can't keep whatever their current crisis is under wraps for the duration of the holiday. But once Carly arrives with Jack, that's when the party will really get started!
The Spaulding Family (GL)

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You can never really be sure how crowded a Spaulding holiday gathering is going to be because you can never be sure how many of the many Spaulding relatives are going to show up at the mansion. Sadly, patriarch Alan is no longer with us, but don't worry, Phillip will take up the slack, However, don't expect Alex to let Beth get away with being the lady of the house when it comes to being the hostess with the mostess!
The Abbott Family (Y&R)

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The Abbotts have had more than their share of family drama this year, but they can usually put it all aside for the holidays. Although if Ashley decides to come home from Europe there could definitely be some major fireworks! Still, Traci always comes home for the holidays, so she can keep the peace if any drama breaks out. And if you're really lucky, John's spirit might make a special appearance!
The Spencer Family (B&B)

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The problem with a Spencer family holiday gathering is that while Bill will spare no expense throwing a fabulous party, not a lot of people are going to RSVP. Liam and Wyatt are only just starting to mend fences with their dad, but Katie and Thorne might bring Will by to spend time with his father for the holiday. And Brooke would probably like to put in an appearance... if Ridge doesn't know where she's going!
The Bauer Family (GL)

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Although the Bauer clan is better known for their famous Fourth of July barbecues, they'd still be a great bet for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even New Years. We're not sure how good a cook Ed is beyond grilling burgers, but Michelle could probably pick up the slack. And Rick will keep everyone in stitches with his dad jokes while they stuff themselves silly. Plus, as a bonus, if anyone gets sick from overeating, there are multiple doctors in this family!
The Hughes Family (ATWT)

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Honestly, a Hughes family holiday is probably your safest bet for a reasonably drama-free party. Tom and Margo have been happily wed for what seems like forever, and Bob and Kim have been married even longer than that! Sadly, Hughes matriarch Nancy has left us, and her loss is still keenly felt to this day, but grande dame Lisa will more than pick up the slack. And maybe the party will have a special visit from cousin Frannie!
The Fisher and Baldwin Families (Y&R)

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One thing you can be sure of if you attend this holiday get-together — it will definitely not be boring! Gloria will be sure to keep everyone on their toes. Heck, one year she even popped out of a giant gift-wrapped box to surprise her kids! The only question is if Kevin and Chloe will be able to stop running from the law long enough to sneak back into Genoa City to attend. But keep a place open for them at the table just in case!
The Lewis Family (GL)

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Don't worry, for the holidays the Lewises will throw a better spread than some fried chicken and lemonade at a picnic bench in the park. Although it might be a little chilly up at Cross Creek, it would be a lovely location for a Christmas party. And while Marah, Shayne, and Jonathan will try to be on their best behavior, you can be sure that at some point Reva will be the life of the party!