Introduction: The Holiday Spirit Hits Genoa City
As the winter chill settles over Genoa City, The Young and the Restless characters are reflecting on their choices, relationships, and dramas of the past year. With Christmas just around the corner, fans everywhere are debating who deserves praise, who needs a little redemption, and who will be sitting next to coal in their stocking this holiday season.
This year’s Naughty and Nice list isn’t just about good deeds or missteps — it’s about emotional growth, forgiveness, and how characters learned (or failed to learn) from their actions. From epic betrayals to heartfelt apologies, here’s the ultimate breakdown of who made Santa’s list in 2025.
Nice List: Characters Who Stepped Up in 2025
1. Victor Newman — A Surprising Turn toward Grace
Victor Newman has long been a complicated figure: brilliant, ruthless, and sometimes painfully stubborn. But in 2025, Victor showed a softer side that many fans didn’t see coming. Rather than bulldozing his way to another corporate victory, he spent significant time reconnecting with his family — especially in the wake of personal loss and tension within the Newman clan.
Victor’s support for his children, both in business and emotionally, stood out this year. He offered guidance without coercion, and even showed real vulnerability. While he’s never been a traditional “nice” guy, 2025 saw Victor earn at least a spot on the Nice list for choosing family unity over conquest.
2. Nikki Newman — The Heart of Holiday Compassion
Nikki has always embodied warmth and resilience, and this year she continued to be a beacon of compassion. From supporting local charities to opening her home for friends in need, Nikki’s generosity reminded viewers what the holiday season is really about.
Her steady presence also helped several Genoa City residents navigate emotional turmoil. Nikki listened without judgment and offered comfort without conditions — a quality that places her firmly on the Nice list.
3. Devon Hamilton — Forgiveness and Leadership
Devon’s journey in 2025 centered on forgiveness and leadership. Despite being hurt by family and friends at times, he chose empathy over retaliation. Devon worked to mend broken relationships and took on new business challenges with integrity, making decisions that balanced heart and logic.
Devon’s growth also extended into mentorship, as he helped younger characters find their footing professionally and personally. His generosity of spirit earns him a well-deserved spot on Santa’s Nice list.
4. Lily Winters — Balancing Career and Heart
Lily’s commitment to her career and her family in 2025 was an impressive balancing act. She took on some tough professional challenges that benefited the community, all while supporting her loved ones through times of uncertainty.
Lily’s ability to hold herself accountable when she made mistakes made fans proud — and highlighted her maturity and growth. This personal evolution earns her recognition on the Nice list.
5. Mariah Copeland — Growth Through Vulnerability
Mariah’s vulnerability was not a weakness — it was a strength. Throughout 2025, she confronted old wounds and made efforts to heal fractious relationships, especially those involving family and close friends.
Her willingness to talk openly about her struggles and seek support demonstrates emotional courage. Mariah proved that transformation begins with honest introspection, securing her place on Santa’s Nice list.
Naughty List: Characters Who Need to Rethink Their Choices
1. Phyllis Summers — Manipulation and Mayhem
Phyllis Summers has a long history of stirring conflict, but 2025 saw her antics escalate in ways that tested even her most patient friends. Whether it was scheming against rivals or reigniting old feuds for dramatic effect, Phyllis seemed determined to keep the drama alive.
While passion and tenacity can sometimes be admirable, too often this year her actions created chaos that hurt others and herself. For 2025, Santa’s Naughty list has a prominent spot reserved for Phyllis — with a note to try kindness in the new year.
2. Adam Newman — Self-Interest Over Empathy
Adam’s complexity often walks the line between anti-hero and outright villain, and in 2025 he leaned more heavily toward self-interest than empathy. His choices in business and relationships occasionally disregarded the well-being of those around him, and trust remains a major issue.
Adam’s intellect is undeniable, but his failure to consider emotional consequences keeps him squarely on the Naughty list. Unless he embraces accountability in 2026, coal may be the only thing in his stocking.
3. Kyle Abbott — Impulsive Decisions and Blame Games
Kyle’s troubled journey in 2025 included some impulsive decisions that didn’t reflect his true potential. Instead of seeking constructive conversations, he often chose reactive behavior that escalated conflict with friends and family.
His tendency to deflect blame made growth difficult to discern, and without clear evidence of personal reflection or change, Kyle earns a place on the Naughty list this year.
4. Ashley Abbott — Stubbornness Without Compromise
Ashley’s commitment to her values has always been strong, but in 2025 it sometimes manifested as stubbornness that refused compromise. Whether in business negotiations or personal relationships, her inflexibility created tension that could have been avoided.
While her intentions were often rooted in principle, the execution lacked the warmth and flexibility necessary for real connection. For this reason, Santa’s Naughty list counts Ashley among its entries.
5. Sharon Newman — Caught in Old Patterns
Sharon’s emotional turbulence is familiar territory for longtime viewers, and while she made some sincere efforts toward stability, she occasionally slipped back into old patterns of impulsive behavior. These moments of regression reminded fans of unfinished emotional work.
Sharon remains beloved and capable of change, but until she consistently demonstrates accountable choices, she stays on the Naughty list for 2025.
Honorable Mentions: Characters Who Hovered Between Naughty and Nice
Not every Genoa City resident fits neatly into “good” or “bad” categories. Some danced on the line, making choices that were complicated or ambiguous.
1. Jack Abbott — Redemption vs. Regression
Jack has been through many transformations over the years. In 2025, his behavior was a mix of selfless gestures and questionable decisions. While his intentions were sometimes genuine, conflicting motives made his ranking difficult.
He doesn’t fall clearly on either list — but he deserves recognition for trying, even if the results were imperfect.
2. Billy Abbott — Fighting for Connection
Billy’s intentions leaned toward the Nice list, particularly in his efforts to connect with those he cares about — yet inconsistency at times pulled him back toward old habits. This makes him one of the most relatable entries of the year.
Conclusion: A Genoa City Christmas to Remember
Every year, The Young and the Restless gives fans a roller coaster of emotion, conflict, and ultimately — hope. The Naughty and Nice list for 2025 reflects the complex nature of growth and redemption: good intentions don’t always lead to good outcomes, and missteps don’t permanently define a character.
As Genoa City’s residents gather to celebrate the holidays — with all their flaws, hopes, and reconciliations — the message remains clear: transformation is possible, forgiveness is powerful, and the spirit of Christmas can touch even the most hardened hearts.
Here’s to a new year in Genoa City — may 2026 bring more growth, connection, and unexpected breakthroughs for every character we’ve come to love (and sometimes love to hate).
