What is Christmas Like in Prison?

Just another day…

I spent 18 months in a series of federal prisons before I was found innocent on appeal, and among those years, I spent one Christmas inside. The other inmates and the staff made an effort to make it festive. However, it was also a constant reminder of where I was, away from the people I really wanted to be with. The prison made an attempt to celebrate the holiday, but it felt like a missed opportunity, as if the true spirit of the holiday was lost amid the strict routines and restrictions.

Rural Views on Christmas in Prison

Some rural perspectives on the holiday in prison differ. One volunteer in an adult correctional facility shared insights:

Prisoners will have their meals at the same times and in the same place as usual. Exercise and personal time will remain consistent. Visitation hours will not change, but staffing levels will be lower, leading to more time in cells. Programs usually scheduled on Christmas won't take place, as staffing will be reduced.

Prison life on Christmas can be defined by hope, despair, frustration, and boob slices.

Boob Slices - The Holiday Delicacy of Prison

Boob slices are a prison-specific delicacy that gets its name from its origin inside prison walls. These treats are a mixture of no-frills biscuits and melted chocolate, one of the most cherished items in the prison canteen.

Ingredients: Biscuits (chocolate and other ingredients) Melted white chocolate

Preparation: Bribe a fellow inmate to make it while you exercise in the yard.

It's important to note that this treat is not a high-caliber drug scene, but a low-key request for a special treat. The prize? A slice of chocolate heaven!

A Day in the Life: The Temperature and Activities

Despite the name, Christmas in prison is anything but warm. It can get up to and over 42°C (107°F) in the cemented yard. To cool off, inmates played volleyball using donated equipment. If they became too hot, they cooled off with water from the fire hose, which wasn't exactly a popular activity among the wardens.

On Christmas Eve, the Red Cross provided lollies, socks, and writing paper with envelopes, which for many inmates, made the day more memorable. However, the reality was that it made them feel more isolated and lonely.

Reflections and Hope for the Future

Despite the challenges, there is always hope. We now have a clearer picture of the time spent in prison. The further away it gets, the more vivid the memories become. Life in prison forces you to see the world in a different way. You are confined to a space and can't see the sky without permission, but the spirit of Christmas remains unbroken. It's about the memories, the hopes, and the moments spent together, no matter where you are.

To all those people locked up this Christmas, keep your head held high and your fists even higher. Celebrate the little things, cherish every moment, and remember that hope will always find a way.