Holidays hit differently when someone is inside

The holiday season leans hard on joy and togetherness. For families with an incarcerated loved one, it can also lean hard on absence. At Pelipost, we see what connection does in those moments, and how it brightens a day that might otherwise feel flat.

Here is what we hear from the Pelipost community about how they stay close during the holidays.

The challenge of holidays behind bars

Separation gets louder in December. Our Co-Founder and COO Becky reminds us that imagination goes a long way: "It's simply amazing what just using your imagination you can do to get into the Christmas spirit." Small rituals, shared with the people you love, keep the season alive.

The power of letters and cards

Cards were a theme in nearly every response.

"The holidays we have had since incarceration, I just make sure to send a funny card to make him smile, along with pics."

"I always send him multiple cards and pictures and I buy him the maximum amount of gift baskets."

A tangible piece of mail says, clearly, you are remembered. One family member wrote that incarcerated loved ones "need to be included in the lives of the people that care about them so they can know that they are important and loved." Holiday traditions grow out of those small, consistent habits.

Greetings by Pelipost offers personalized greeting cards at greetings.pelipost.com.

Family holiday photo of loved ones sharing the season despite a loved one being incarcerated

Lifting spirits through visits and photos

"We have just started having video visits this year on holidays."

"This will be mine and my daughter's first year without my boyfriend for the holidays. So, I hope to be able to visit in person and on video visits."

Visits, in person or on video, tell your loved one they are "not forgotten and that they are loved, missed, and are still part of the circle of love known as family." Even a short call on the holiday makes someone feel part of the day.

"We hope to video chat sometime during the holidays. It lets him know that he is still part of the family."

Connecting through phone calls

Long phone calls carry their own weight.

"This will be my first holiday tradition spent with my new loved one. We are getting to know each other's cultures."

"My fiancé and I take long phone calls and express our love for each other. I'm in the process of gathering my photos to send to him."

Swap memories. Make plans. Share what the house smells like this time of year. California's push toward free prison calls has made this easier for many families, and we hope other states follow.

Making spirits bright

Pelipost community member Monica put it this way: "The holidays seem to be an even harder time for people behind bars. Being away from their loved ones is hard enough but even more so during holidays. I want to show them they are still very much loved and not forgotten. Knowing they still have support of loved ones increases the chances of successfully reentering the world outside of prison."

Send the card. Take the call. Print the photo. Every single one is a bridge across the distance.