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How to Support an Incarcerated Loved One During Christmas

Published on December 16, 2024 by InmateAid

Table of Contents

Introduction

The holiday season can be a challenging time for families and individuals with a loved one in prison. While the distance and restrictions may make it feel difficult to connect, there are numerous ways to support and uplift someone who is incarcerated during Christmas. From practical gestures to emotional connections, these efforts can bring comfort and strengthen bonds despite the barriers.

1. Send a Heartfelt Letter or Card

Writing a letter or sending a Christmas card is one of the most meaningful and cost-effective ways to connect with an incarcerated loved one. Expressing your love, sharing memories, and offering words of encouragement can provide emotional support during a season that can feel isolating for them. Personalized cards or handwritten letters often hold special significance, as they serve as tangible reminders of your connection. Be sure to check the facility’s mail policies for specific rules on allowable card sizes, content, or decorations.

2. Provide Commissary Funds

Adding money to your loved one’s commissary account can give them the ability to purchase small comforts such as snacks, hygiene items, or even holiday treats. Many facilities allow inmates to buy items that can help them celebrate, such as special seasonal foods or gift cards for inmate-approved catalogs. Make sure to deposit funds well in advance to ensure they have access during the holiday period.

3. Send an Approved Gift Package

Some correctional facilities partner with third-party vendors to offer holiday gift packages. These packages often include items like pre-approved snacks, clothing, or other commissary items. Programs like Access Securepak® or Union Supply Direct allow family members to select gifts that meet facility guidelines. Check with the specific prison to see if such a program is available and what deadlines apply for holiday delivery.

4. Organize Phone or Video Calls

Hearing the voice of a loved one can be incredibly uplifting during the holiday season. Many facilities allow inmates to make phone or video calls, often through prepaid services such as GTL, Securus, ICSolutions, Reliance, or SmartInmate. You can add funds to their account or prepay for calls to ensure they can connect with family and friends. Scheduling a call on or around Christmas can help your loved one feel included in the festivities.

5. Plan a Visit

If the facility permits in-person or video visitation, scheduling a holiday visit can make a significant impact. Many prisons allow families to visit during the Christmas period, though availability may be limited. Ensure you follow all visitation guidelines, such as wearing appropriate clothing, arriving on time, and bringing valid identification. If physical visits are not possible, consider scheduling a video visitation session to share holiday greetings.

6. Send Books or Magazines

Books can provide an escape and a source of comfort for inmates during the holidays. Many facilities allow loved ones to send books directly from approved retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Consider selecting books that align with your loved one’s interests, whether it’s fiction, self-help, or hobby-related materials. Magazines can also be a great way to offer ongoing entertainment and information. Loved ones can purchase magazines through trusted providers like InmateAid, a service that has been supporting incarcerated individuals and their families since 2012.

InmateAid offers a wide selection of popular magazines tailored to various interests, providing inmates with entertainment, education, and a connection to the outside world. As an established and reliable provider, InmateAid ensures compliance with facility rules while making the process simple and accessible for families. Subscriptions are the gift that keeps giving, every month of the year. They not only offer a positive way to pass the time but also contribute to an inmate’s mental well-being and personal growth during their incarceration.

7. Include Them in Holiday Traditions

Keeping your loved one involved in family traditions can foster a sense of belonging. Share photos of holiday decorations, family gatherings, or meals through approved channels like printed mail or secure messaging services. If the facility permits it, include them in family prayers or holiday rituals by sharing what was said or done during your conversations.

8. Support Their Emotional Well-Being

The holidays can be an emotionally difficult time for incarcerated individuals, who may feel disconnected from their families and the festive season. Offering words of encouragement and acknowledging their feelings without judgment can go a long way. Encourage them to participate in any prison programs available, such as religious services, holiday meals, or group activities, which can provide a sense of community and celebration.

9. Coordinate with Other Family Members

If you are part of a larger family, work together to ensure your incarcerated loved one feels the collective support of their relatives. You can coordinate letters, cards, or phone calls to spread the love and ensure they hear from multiple family members. This collaboration can make the season feel brighter for everyone involved.

Many inmates appreciate gestures that reflect shared values, such as donating to a charity in their honor. This could include organizations that support prison reform, children of incarcerated parents, or community outreach programs. Sharing news of such donations with your loved one can show that you are thinking of them and acting in alignment with their beliefs.

11. Stay Informed on Facility Policies

Every correctional facility has its own rules regarding mail, money transfers, gifts, and visitation. It is crucial to understand these policies to ensure your efforts comply with the regulations. Visit the facility’s website or contact their administrative office to confirm specific guidelines, deadlines, and restrictions for holiday-related activities.

Final Thoughts

Though incarceration creates physical barriers, there are many ways to foster connection and support for a loved one during the Christmas season. By taking the time to send thoughtful messages, provide financial assistance, and engage in meaningful gestures, you can help them feel cared for and included despite the circumstances. Your efforts not only bring joy to your loved one but also strengthen the bond that will carry through their time apart from family and friends.

FAQs: Supporting an Incarcerated Loved One During Christmas

1. What can I send to my incarcerated loved one for Christmas?
Most facilities allow holiday cards, letters, and photos, but restrictions may apply. Some facilities partner with vendors for approved holiday gift packages, which can include snacks, clothing, or other items. Always check the facility’s guidelines before sending anything.

2. How can I add money to an inmate’s commissary account for Christmas?
You can deposit funds through approved services such as JPay, Access Corrections, or Western Union. Ensure you include the inmate’s correct ID number and allow time for the funds to be processed before the holidays.

3. Can I visit my loved one in prison during the holidays?
Many facilities allow visits during Christmas, though availability may be limited. Contact the facility to confirm holiday visitation schedules, and follow all rules, such as bringing valid identification and adhering to the dress code.

4. Are there ways to communicate remotely during the holidays?
Yes, many facilities offer phone calls, video visitation, or secure messaging through platforms like GTL, Securus, or JPay. You can schedule a video call or prepay for phone time to ensure your loved one can connect with you.

5. Can I send books or magazines as a holiday gift?
Books and magazines are often allowed if sent directly from approved retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Check the facility’s policy on acceptable materials, such as hardcover vs. paperback books, and avoid prohibited content.

6. How can I involve my incarcerated loved one in holiday traditions?
You can send photos of family gatherings, holiday decorations, or meals to include them in your celebrations. Share your holiday experiences through letters or calls, and encourage them to participate in any prison-organized holiday events.

7. Are there fees for sending video visits or electronic messages?
Yes, most remote communication platforms charge fees for video visits or electronic messaging. Public kiosks in jail lobbies may offer free video visits, but off-site communication usually incurs a cost.

8. How do I ensure my gestures comply with prison rules?
Always consult the facility’s website or contact the administrative office to confirm their rules on mail, gifts, money transfers, and visitation. Understanding these policies helps avoid delays or rejections of your efforts.