The winter holidays can be a challenging time when your loved one is incarcerated, but with a little creativity, you can still share the joy and warmth of the season. Here are some fun activities to help you stay connected and make the most of the holidays together:

1. Share Holiday-Themed Letters and Stories

Write letters about your favorite holiday memories or traditions. You can also create a holiday-themed story together, where you each contribute a part in your letters. This can be a fun way to keep the holiday spirit alive and engage in a shared creative activity.

Tip: Include drawings or photos of holiday decorations, winter scenes, or even your favorite holiday treats.

2. Exchange Holiday Cards

Create or buy holiday cards and send them to your loved one. Encourage them to do the same. If possible, you can exchange a series of cards leading up to the holidays, each with a special message or memory.

Tip: Personalize the cards with a handwritten note, favorite quotes, or even small sketches to make them more meaningful.

3. Plan a Virtual Holiday Celebration

If the facility allows video calls, plan a virtual holiday celebration. You can dress up in festive attire, decorate the area around you, and even share a holiday meal virtually. Singing holiday songs or reading a holiday story together can also make the virtual celebration more special.

Tip: Prepare a playlist of holiday songs that you both love and listen to them together during the call.

4. Create a Shared Holiday Journal

Start a holiday journal where you both write entries about the season, your thoughts, and your hopes for the new year. This journal can be sent back and forth between you, allowing you to share the holidays together through writing.

Tip: Include prompts like “What’s your favorite holiday memory?” or “What are your goals for the new year?”

5. Exchange Small Gifts or Mementos

If allowed, exchange small gifts or mementos that represent the holiday season. This could be something handmade, a holiday-themed book, or a meaningful item that brings comfort and joy.

Tip: Consider making a simple holiday ornament that can be kept as a reminder of your connection during the season.

6. Watch a Holiday Movie Together (Virtually)

If your loved one has access to a television, choose a holiday movie that you can watch simultaneously. Afterward, you can discuss the movie through a phone call or letter, sharing your favorite parts and how it made you feel.

Tip: Pick a classic holiday movie that you both enjoy or one that holds special meaning for your relationship.

7. Reflect on the Year and Set New Year’s Goals

As the year comes to an end, use this time to reflect on the past year together. Discuss the challenges and successes, and set goals for the coming year. This can be a powerful way to stay connected and support each other’s growth.

Tip: Write down your reflections and goals in a letter, and revisit them together throughout the year to track your progress.

Conclusion

The winter holidays may be different when your loved one is incarcerated, but by embracing creativity and focusing on shared activities, you can still make the season meaningful and joyful. From exchanging letters and cards to planning virtual celebrations and setting new goals, these activities help bridge the distance and keep the holiday spirit alive in your relationship.