Stephen Nichols: Patchy Claus pays a visit as Stephen Nichols surprises the Days of our Lives set

Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols) is knee-deep in something scary right now on Days of Our Lives. Creepy messages, Stephanie (Abigail Klein) rattled, Alex (Robert Scott Wilson) nearly encountered a biological weapon, and Steve did that familiar thing where he absorbs all the details and trusts no one. Salem is tense lately, which makes what Stephen Nichols posted just before the holiday break feel like a deliberate pivot. The same man, and the same set with a very different energy. Out went the paranoia, and in came Patchy Claus.

Days of our Lives welcomed Patchy Claus back to the studio

Nichols shared a video on Instagram and captioned it: “Santa (sometimes known as Patchy Claus) made a quick stop at the studio on the last day before the holiday break. Spreading cheer, a little mischief, and a whole lot of holiday spirit. Ho ho ho!” That was the fun vibe that paved the way for his video.

It opened with Nichols strolling in full Santa gear, immediately spotted by Wilson, who greeted him like this is both absurd and completely normal. “Oh, how are you doing, Santa?” A hug, a grin, and then a quick check-in from Patchy Claus. “You got your scenes together? Everything’s good?” Wilson earnestly hoped he made the nice list, and Santa didn’t hesitate, praising the actor with, “You’re one of the best little boys in the whole world.”

Then Nichols drifts through the studio like a festive audit. Candy canes were handed out. Compliments were delivered with alarming sincerity. Crew members were praised for their sweaters, birthdays were remembered, and the crew’s efforts were noticed.

Candy canes, crew love, and a missed rehearsal

Days of our Lives' Kayla with Patchy Claus. | Image Source: JPI

Santa then came across another crewmember who had a Grateful Dead Christmas shirt on. He remarked, “I see you're wearing your Dead Christmas sweatshirt. I love the Dead.” She was surprised that he liked the band, and he remarked, “Yeah, I've been to every concert.” As the tour continued, Patchy Claus wound his way onto the set, greeting directors, spotting new titles, admiring outfits, and promising laptops to anyone squinting at tiny screens. There was also a moment of caution on the stairs when he noted he couldn’t see well and stated, “I have to hold the rail,” after his camera person told him to be careful.

The capper came when Nichols paused, seeing activity on the soundstage. “Wait just a minute here. Is this rehearsal?” he asked, then hilariously noted, “I almost missed it. All right, what’s my line?” Even Patchy Claus couldn’t dodge blocking forever. Although Patchy Claus won’t appear in a DAYS episode this year, Nichols warmed the hearts of his colleagues with his personal visit.

Co-stars chimed in with their excited comments. Abigail Klein, who plays Steve’s daughter Stephanie, wrote, “HOW FUN!!! ‘This is so hot. Santa’s so hot,’ LOL.” Martha Madison (Belle) kept her reaction simple with: “#hotsanta,” which was accompanied by fire, heart, and crying-laughing emojis. And Wilson couldn’t help but chime in with, “Legend!” which was enhanced by Santa and hourglass emojis. The show’s official account summed it up best: “Thanks, Patchy Claus, for the visit! ❤️.”