How Do You Celebrate Christmas in Prison?

I do what I did on the outside, I feed others

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Feeding someone doesn’t have to relate to food, though it can. One question we’re asked often is how holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas which are food-driven in many ways, do inmates celebrate Christmas. Does the prison provide a dinner or anything special? How do you celebrate Christmas in prison?

1. Prepare food with other inmates — the prison does not have to provide you with anything beyond the usual fare. Trust me, you don’t want to rely on this to make holiday memories. It’s inedible on a good day, rotten on a not-so-good one, and often non-existent on bad days. If you’ve made a friend or two, you can combine resources and “cook” together for any special occasion. This year, I was forced to leave my close friends behind at another facility, however, I have gotten to know a couple of guys in this camp enough to pool resources. We made “fried rice” and state cakes yesterday. Fried is in quotations because you don’t have access to a kitchen or anything, just a microwave. However, as I’ve mentioned numerous times, inmates are brilliant when it comes to figuring things out. They’ll use potato chip bags (I don’t recommend, you can blow up your microwave) to “fry” things in the microwave. Or, my preferred way, the “crisping trays” that come with frozen sandwiches, hot pockets, or french fries. They can be reused a few times before losing their efficacy.
2. Feed your soul — This can look different for everyone, but for me, playing cards, having conversations, and spending time with people all feed my soul. Listening to others when they need a shoulder is also something that goes on that list. Often, I feel like if I can give back by being there for someone else, telling my stories so others can learn from my mistakes, and teaching when possible, I’ve fed myself and others more than if I handed them a plate of food.
3. Gift exchange — Not everyone does this, but some inmates will participate in a gift exchange with those they care about on the inside. You have access to the canteen if you have funds, but more often than not, it’s hand-crafted items that are exchanged. In a previous camp, I was friends with a guy who made rosaries out of thread. He gave those away to friends. Those who are artistically…