Twinkling lights sparkle in windows, snow crunches underfoot, a mug of cocoa warms our hands, and the scent of a pine tree fills the living room—even as its needles scatter around the house. These simple moments are just some ways we may experience the holidays. Now imagine these moments replaced by concrete, steel, and sterility. What would you miss most if you were alone and incarcerated during the holidays?
Holidays can serve as painful reminders of what has been lost: time with loved ones, participation in family gatherings, and the joy of shared traditions. Mental health experts suggest that such isolation can contribute to higher rates of hopelessness, leading, in severe cases, to self-harm or suicidal thoughts within prison populations (American Sociological Review). The holiday season magnifies the barriers between incarcerated people and their families, reinforcing feelings of separation and social exclusion.
“Mail call, especially during the holidays, is like sitting in front of a Christmas tree and knowing no gift is for you,” shared Robert, a Crossroads student from 2010 to 2013. Imagine the shame, pain, disappointment, and anger that would build from this daily disappointment.
Experiential accounts and studies describe a noticeable shift in mood within prisons around the holidays (Prison Journalism Project). In Robert’s facility, he noted an increase in volatility as the season approached; people had “less to lose” and were more willing to test boundaries. While we may feel holiday excitement, Robert observed a rise in anger, mental health crises, and violence instead (Harris). For those who do not receive mail from family, letters from Crossroads offer a reminder that they are not alone, forgotten, or unworthy. Through Crossroads, mentors share care, empathy, and kindness, along with the hope of God’s love, understanding, and forgiveness.
As you enjoy your own holiday moments and traditions, consider including those who are incarcerated in your thoughts and prayers. Wish them a Merry Christmas, let them know they are not forgotten, and share God’s greatest gift of hope.
How Can You Reach Someone Who Is Incarcerated This Holiday Season?
- Become a mentor: Prayerfully consider joining Crossroads as a mentor.
- Pray for them: Whether you know someone personally or not, pray for incarcerated individuals this holiday season.
- Support financially: Connect as a small group to sponsor one or more people incarcerated this holiday season.
For more information on mentoring and sponsorship, visit cpministries.org.
Crossroads is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; all gifts and donations are tax-deductible. Contact your tax professional for details.
Sugie, Naomi F., and Kristin Turney. “Beyond Incarceration: Criminal Justice Contact and Mental Health.” American Sociological Review 82, no. 4 (2017): 719–43. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26426354.
PJP Editors. “An Incarcerated Christmas.” Prison Journalism Project, December 30, 2022. https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2022/12/22/an-incarcerated-christmas/.
Harris, Sharmain. “Incarcerated during the Holidays.” LinkedIn, November 27, 2019. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/incarcerated-during-holidays-sharmain-harris.