During the 2025 holiday season, prison staff and family volunteers made visiting rooms special for those spending some time with their incarcerated loved ones.
Avenal State Prison hosts Christmas Day visiting
Avenal State Prison and the incarcerated-person family council (IFC) hosted visiting on Christmas Day in which incarcerated persons presented gifts to their children. The visiting room was calm and respectful as Incarcerated Persons handed their children small, meaningful gifts they had earned or made. Despite the walls separating them from everyday life, the visit allowed families to share holiday moments of warmth and connection.
Submitted by Lt. P. Chavez
CCI hosts Christmas Day visiting
On Christmas Day, incarcerated individuals, the incarcerated-person family council (IFC) and California Correctional Institution (CCI) Visiting staff collaborated to make the holiday special.
Families enjoyed wearing their matching Christmas pajamas while doing crafts and posing for family photos. There were also goodie bags and incarcerated individuals gave children teddy bears.
Additionally, children were able to pick out other gifts, which were donated by visitors and staff.
Story by Visiting Sgt. S. Zazueta
Submitted by Lt. T. Harrison
CMF hosts Christmas visiting
On Christmas Day, incarcerated persons, their loved ones, and California Medical Facility (CMF) staff celebrated the holiday season. Visiting families participated in games, gift giving, holiday cheer, and enjoyed a visit from a very busy visitor.
Incarcerated individuals and their families were transported away with the Holiday theme in visiting as they posed for photos and opened gifts.
This was all a part of CMF’s annual Christmas visiting event. Incarcerated persons and their families were appreciative to spend the day in a positive lighthearted festive setting.
This year’s event was planned by CMF visiting staff in conjunction with the CMF incarcerated-person family council (IFC) and included a special treat for the visiting families. The CMF Crochet group headed by incarcerated persons Clay Turner and Billy Worth donated their time and skills to present the families with festive items crocheted by the group.
Children were treated to presents donated by the CDCR staff and the IFC. They also participated in holiday inspired games and activities. Families also took photos by the sleigh built by CMF’s Plant Ops team.
Staff and the families interacted throughout the day’s events which were highlighted by a visit by Santa Claus.
“These events are a great way for all of us to come together and for the incarcerated population to build and strengthen strong connections to family and outside support system,” said organizers.
Story by Lt. C. Bennamon
Submitted by Lt. A. Brown
High Desert State Prison hosts Christmas day visiting
On Dec. 25, High Desert State Prison hosted a Christmas event for incarcerated people and their families. Visiting staff worked collaboratively with the incarcerated-persons family council (IFC) to put together a toy drive during the entire month of November. Families were able to donate toys for all ages. High Desert State Prison received a total of 31 gifts including two bicycles.
Families were able to paint an ornament, craft a gingerbread house, play games and take memorable photographs.
The toys were wrapped by the prison’s community resources manager team. Prison visiting staff then passed out the toys to all children who came to visit on Christmas Day.
Submitted by Lt. J. Micone
Mule Creek visiting hosts Merry Grinchmas
The Mule Creek State Prison Visiting Department hosted its annual holiday event, Merry Grinchmas, on Saturday, Dec. 20. Thanks to donations from the incarcerated-person family council (IFC), toys were handed out to the visiting children.
The incarcerated population was also able to pass out stockings to their visiting minors. The stockings were filled with candy and crafts provided by the IFC.
The IFC also provided great holiday props the population and their visitors were able to use to take photos.
“We would like to thank the Mule Creek State Prison IFC for all of their donations which helped make this Merry Grinchmas such a successful event,” said visiting staff.
Written by Visiting Sgt. J. Wohnhas
Submitted by Lt. J. Vina
Salinas Valley State Prison hosts Santa in Visiting event
Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) hosted its annual Santa in Visiting holiday event. Thanks to a community volunteer, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited all four visiting rooms Dec. 13 to spread holiday cheer. The event brought genuine joy to the incarcerated population and their families, according to organizers.
Santa arrived with a bag full of treats and greeted visitors throughout the visiting rooms, presenting candy to both children and adults.
“The excitement and happiness on the children’s faces were especially meaningful, highlighting the positive impact of this simple gesture,” said visiting staff. “Events like this help strengthen family connections and create positive memories during the holiday season.”
The Santa in Visiting event was a great success. SVSP staff look forward to continuing this tradition annually, with hopes of the same success in future years.
Salinas Valley State Prison would like to extend special thanks to Santa Dan Ferguson and his wife, Mrs. Claus, for their time, generosity, and dedication in making this event possible.
Submitted by Lt. J. Sevey
Valley State Prison hosts Christmas visiting event
The incarcerated-person family council (IFC), in collaboration with Valley State Prison Visiting staff, hosted a Christmas event in the visiting area on Saturday, Dec. 20.
The event promoted family reunification by providing meaningful opportunities for incarcerated individuals to connect with their children and loved ones.
Families enjoyed holiday photos, festive crafts, and gift bags, creating a warm and memorable experience for all who attended.
Submitted by Lt. A. Salas
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