Christmas in Prison
Impartial just received this Christmas card from a prison artist we have been working with in 2024. Very cool!
For most inmates, holidays like Christmas—or even birthdays—are some of the hardest times to endure behind bars.
But during the past few months, I had the privilege of meeting a local sheriff who approaches his work with a unique perspective. “Steve,” as I'll call him, oversees a nearby detention center and has been re-elected for decades. His leadership isn't built on flashy words or policies; instead, Steve leads quietly, by example. He's the kind of person who lets his actions speak louder than anything he could say.
Years ago, when Steve and his wife were raising their young children, they started a simple tradition. They assembled small gift bags, filled mostly with candy and snacks, to hand out to the inmates at Christmas. This wasn't something the prison administration asked him to do. No one in his chain of command suggested it. Steve did it simply because his moral compass pointed him in that direction.
Over time, this act of kindness evolved into a cherished family tradition. His children grew up helping to prepare and deliver these gifts, and to this day, the entire family participates with genuine joy. While the contents of the bags might seem modest—just chocolates and snacks—their impact runs much deeper. Each bag represents an unspoken acknowledgment of the inmates' humanity, a reminder that even in confinement, they are seen and valued.
Most people in prison are there because they made one of the worst mistakes of their lives. Some struggle with addiction or mental illness; others may even be innocent. Yet regardless of their circumstances, they all share this season together … in prison, at Christmas.
The sadness during the holidays is palpable. Is it harder for the families who miss their incarcerated loved ones? Or for the inmates who have no family left to miss them? Or perhaps for those whose families have chosen to turn away altogether? Each story carries its own quiet heartbreak.
Then there's Steve and his family, going from cell to cell, handing out small bags of treats. They look each inmate in the eye, making sure each one feels seen, and offer a simple, heartfelt “Merry Christmas.”
Christmas Day isn't much different from any other for most inmates. The Christmas dinner served in the cafeteria is only a slight upgrade from the usual meals. Some inmates are fortunate enough to have visitation or phone privileges, allowing them a few precious moments with someone who cares. But nothing is guaranteed. If there's a fight or a safety concern, the visits can be canceled on a moment's notice. In a world of rigid rules and limited resources, Christmas can feel fragile.
But in the midst of it all, Steve's small act of kindness stands out.
Happy Holidays to everyone!
