DannyBoyinExile

When I woke up on Christmas, there was no sign of Santa, and no gifts waiting beneath a tree – but I was feeling optimistic nonetheless. It got pretty cold that night (cold for Texas, I mean, in the 30s), but thanks to the chronic complainers it was nice and toasty on the Wynne Unit.
In years past, Christmas Dinner was a repeat of the Thanksgiving meal, featuring turkey and dressing – but several years ago TDCJ started a new tradition of feeding us BBQ brisket for Christmas. This is something we always look forward to, although THIS year’s brisket was the roughest, toughest piece of meat I’ve ever encountered! I chewed each bite for at least ten minutes (with little or no results), until I finally got tired of chewing and just swallowed it. I’m not sure WHAT sort of brisket it was, because it clearly wasn’t beef. Maybe it was elephant, or rhino brisket! (just kidding) Someone offered to sell me his, and the only reason I didn’t cuss him out is BECAUSE it was Christmas…
We were also provided with smoked chicken, potato salad, ranch style beans – and a separate “cold tray” of desserts and condiments, which included everything from cookies to celery. It was a meal fit for a king – as long as he didn’t eat the brisket! =-)
I must admit that the entire unit was in a good mood, and feeling the holiday spirit. I suspect that a few may even have imbibed some holiday spirits! Even the Major stood outside her office door, singing Christmas carols and telling people Merry Christmas (or Feliz Navidad, depending on their appearance!). When The Boss even goes out of her way to display some holiday cheer, you can’t help but end up feeling the same way.
Several of us hallway workers were on duty, to keep the hallways clean and free of dropped food. The last thing we wanted was people stepping in onions, potato salad, etc. – and tracking it up and down the halls. As inmates were “swapping and dropping” (trading food items with each other, and inevitably spilling pieces of it onto the floor), we were there to scoop it up.
Before long, WE even joined in the fun, and started serenading passersby with whatever Christmas songs we knew the words to. We made such fools of ourselves that I’m surprised we didn’t all get drug tested the next day! But we enjoyed ourselves, and brought smiles to quite a few other inmates in the process. We even sang to a few guards who passed by, and made them laugh as well.
I must have walked at least FIVE MILES up and down the halls, but hopefully the exercise helped me burn off the excess calories I consumed.
It was a long day, but a good day – and when I finally went to bed, I slept the sleep of the just. (Just tired, I mean!) I managed to enjoy my Christmas, even here, so I hope all of you did, too… So says DannyBoy.