As I have harped, holidays in a prison setting often feel like any other day since the days are all the same. It is a time warp here, so what makes Christmas feel remotely like Christmas is calling loved ones, going to Church, and the holiday meal. Our Christmas “dinner” served at 10:30 am was rice stuffed cornish-hen, quartered baked chicken with mashed potatoes, sweet potato souffle, green beans, gravy, and freshly-made cinnamon roll. I am very fortunate to have quite the feast, which I never expected to be served in prison.
Based on the Catholic calendar, we had finished the pre-Christmas season called Advent on Sunday (Christmas Eve) and then had Mass on Christmas Day too! I played a dramatic introduction to Angels We Have Heard on High with a bellowing start of GLORIA, then the closing song of Joy to the World. Those were the only two Christmas songs that were sung this year.
The warm spring-like weather of 60 degrees and sunny did permit a brief pickleball tournament. Again, the Christmas with family and friends seemed like a long distant memory, if it wasn’t for the permitted phone calls! To hear the joy and cheer in everyone’s voices during those calls brightened my Christmas day! I was reminded of the love and support that awaits the confines of my current dormitory!
Overall, I am grateful to have warmth, support, love, great food, and overall comfort in my current living situation. I am often reminded of the temporary status that prison is, but I definitely look forward to the day that I may be home to celebrate with everyone! I hope you continue to be mindful of any small miracles in your life, especially into the New Year!
Have a blessed and wonderful week!