Christmas in a Women's Prison: Awakening Unmet Needs
Should holidays be celebrated in custody? Can prisoners enjoy Christmas inside?
Posted December 15, 2025 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader
As Christmas approaches in a women's prison, the decorations and trees become brighter and fill up more of the available space, covering up blank walls and distracting the eye from harsh lighting and a maze of corridors. The women have taken part in creating the decorations, made drawings and paintings, put glitter balls on trees, and hung homemade paper chains. The overall effect is striking, evoking both nostalgia and sadness.
Yet the image is one of a fantasy , an ideal of Christmas rather than an accurate representation of what this holiday was actually like when the vast majority of women were outside, with families. For so many of the women incarcerated for crimes, often nonviolent, the holidays were not times of joy, peace, and harmonious family gatherings, but were marred by scenes of violence within their families, often alcohol - or drug-fueled, and characterised by disappointment and pain. The women in prison have often been the victims rather than the perpetrators of such violence, and many suffer lasting consequences, including acquired brain injury. In one study of women in a U.K. prison, 64% of women reported histories indicative of brain injuries, far exceeding general population rates. Furthermore, the majority of these injuries (72%) were traumatic , with domestic violence being the leading cause (62%).
Over 40% of the female prison population grew up in local authority care, and of those who did not, home was far from happy, but a place of neglect, abuse, betrayal, and fear . The trauma histories of women in prison have been well documented (Motz, Dennis and Aieyegbusi, 2020.) Christmas is a time when domestic violence increases dramatically and when expectations of happy family celebrations can add to the pressure of the day and the sense of profound disappointment and pain that reality falls so far short of fantasy. In a sense, celebrating holidays like Christmas within institutions can be seen as a re-creation of a sentimental illusion, covering up the reality that so many of the institutions' inhabitants have no homes outside, have communities that shame and reject them, and may view prison as a safer place to be than the streets.
For some, the pressure to have a happy Christmas may be relieved by being in custody, where any joy or pleasure is unexpected. For many women, Christmas in the community has been a time of increased risk, pressure, stress , and disappointment due to rates of alcohol use, restricted social activities outside of the home, children to care for without the relative respite of school, and increased incidence of violence from their partners. Sentimental images of idyllic Christmases with family may only add to the sense of failure, fear, and shame.
The yearly carol services in a prison reveal the sense of community, and wish for belonging and shelter that unite many women in prison. Women from all different backgrounds, singing together, along with staff in various shades of Christmas clothing, is quite distinct from the usual prison sounds and structures. Led by chaplains, with readings from prisoners, women can feel free to shed tears, or allow their thoughts to wander to places normally kept off bounds. Some are thinking of children, from whom they are separated, perhaps the longing awakened by the absence of the usual regime, or memories of other holidays, or the mention of the holy birth. Though not all members of the services are Christian, those who attend seem to welcome the sense of ritual and peace but can find themselves suddenly flooded with unexpected and painful emotions, related to past trauma.
Is the need to create a trauma-informed environment in women's prisons in conflict with what can appear to be sentimental or nostalgic traditions? Is the need to address the pain of past events, and the stress of current circumstances, covered up or achieved at significant times like Christmas? Can decorating cells and landings, joining choirs, and delivering cards and presents be a creative and meaningful outlet for painful thoughts and memories or just serve as a sentimental distraction, and a harsh reminder of how far life has fallen short of fantasy? The guiding principle would be that as far as possible, Christmas and other holidays should offer women in prison a chance to reflect, take a break from usual routines, and be able to participate in an important event for many. The painful memories and fragile hope for a different future that the prisoners bring, and the restrictions they face, are inevitable and may even be heightened through these celebrations and services, but they too are entitled to participate in such celebrations. Visits with friends and family take on an additional significance at this time, and may feel even more precious, poignant, or difficult.
In a real sense, Christmas inside custody may be preferable to a lonely , cold day spent on the streets, and so a hot meal, company, and a roof over one's head is a relief. Over 40% of women are released from prison homeless and it is documented that crimes may increase coming up to the holiday season. While charities for the homeless do their best to offer food and shelter during this time, the need sadly outweighs the demand. For too many women, imprisonment may be preferable to life on the streets or in unsafe homes. The holiday period, with the influx of women who come into prison for shelter, safety, and a meal, is a stark reminder of unmet needs, not only psychological, but basic and essential, for survival. Coming into prison for a short stay over a difficult time can be a means of survival. One solution to the "revolving door" phenomenon is to create women's centres, as recommended in a 2007 report by Baroness Corston. Such "one stop shops" offer alternatives to custody for women who commit crimes, but allow them to remain connected to friends, family, and community, while not exposing them to homelessness or risky environments.
Home Office. (2007). A Report by Baroness Jean Corston of a Review of Women with Particular Vulnerabilities in the Criminal Justice System. London: Home Office.
Motz, A., Dennis,M and Aiyegbusi,A, (2020) Invisible trauma: women, difference, and the criminal justice system Hove: Routledge.
The Disabilities Trust (2019) Making the Link Female Offending and Brain Injuries, 2019.
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Anna Motz is consultant clinical and forensic psychologist and psychotherapist in a women's prison, providing specialist consultation, assessment, and treatment for high-risk women.
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.