A Homespun Christmas … In Prison

Several members of Prison Fellowship®'s marketing and communications team had the opportunity to attend a Christmas party in prison on December 3rd. The following are a few glimpses of an unforgettable day.

On Saturday, December 3, almost 50 men serving time in Ohio's Southeast Correctional Complex (SCC) had the rare opportunity of welcoming their children into the prison—not in a visiting room across a table—but in a gymnasium decorated as "Santa's workshop."

Every year, Wings for LIFE International, a partner organization of Prison Fellowship, travels to prisons across the country hosting parties inside of correctional facilities for both prisoners and their families. This was the 12th year that SCC hosted the event

The day begins as children timidly follow Mom or Grandma into the gymnasium, purple and white snowflakes dangling above their heads. After being welcomed by volunteers, the children's eyes wander to the door where they had entered, waiting for the moment that dad walks through. One by one, men are allowed into the room. Some children rush into their fathers' arms. Others walk tentatively over for a more reserved greeting.

"Seeing a young boy see his dad come through the door and just run full force to him and get swept up in his dad's arms. It was the joy on their faces as they embraced and just stood there hugging one another."

KELLY FRIEDLANDER, director of program assessment and marketing, Prison Fellowship

"Meet someone you don’t know and tell them about one of your most favorite holiday traditions," booms Ann Edenfield over the microphone. Ann, a mother of four whose former husband was incarcerated, founded Wings to provide hope and connection opportunities for families impacted by incarceration. Heads nod as Ann tells the moms, grandmas, and grandpas who came to the party that it’s those left at home after the husband, boyfriend, or son goes to prison who often has to carry the heaviest load.

"This was a wonderful experience to spend time interacting with our son, not just sitting across a table from each other."

parent of an incarcerated son

Throughout the day, families have professional photos taken, dads decorate Christmas cookies with their kids, and everyone dresses up as a shepherd, angel, or wise man for a Nativity reenactment. Afterward, families and volunteers gather in circles of 10 for a pizza lunch and a "dress up an angel" game. Tattooed men and little girls join each other on stage, each adorned with angel wings and tinsel halos.

"Many of the men seemed to be just regular guys that I’m sure I would easily connect with if in a different scenario. Many of them reminded me of many of the everyday guys that I grew up with and/or know now. Just a reminder to me that they too are individuals that are equally loved by God and a reminder of His grace and mercy as that easily could have been me in that situation."

MICHAEL BELL, senior graphic designer, Prison Fellowship

After three full hours together, the time has come to say goodbye. Hugs are long. Tears are shed. Some fathers are forced to pull away from crying children, as they are ushered by corrections officers into lines. Children wipe their tears and wave goodbye, hands clutching teddy bears crafted by prisoners.

"Thank you for allowing me to see my dad. I don’t get to see him much."

child of a prisoner

It may be a month before they see each other again. Maybe much longer. But for one day, a few men got to forget they were in prison, and a few children got to forget that bars separated them from their parents.

"Thank you so much for a wonderful day. This is Christmas for me."

incarcerated father

Events like these are made possible through the work of volunteers and your generous donations. If you would like to participate in Prison Fellowship's mission to "remember those in prison," please consider volunteering or donating today!