Cinder block walls and steel doors don't exactly invoke images of Christmas.

But here at the Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Casper, despite the bars and drab uniforms, a little holiday spirit is seeping in.

It's just after 8 a.m. on Christmas morning when staff member Angelica Arriaga hands out gifts to each one of the 10 teenagers in custody. Each gets a book and a red stocking just large enough to hold a chocolate bar and candy cane.

The teens immediately start to work on the candy, then resume their focus on the video and card games going on inside the center's day room. On most mornings, they'd eat cereal and get ready for group therapy and school. On this day, they'll get presents, play games and even have their portraits drawn.

"Just give them something," says Jerry Douglas, one of the staff. "I understand they are here and have to be, but something to lift their spirits."

Spending the holiday in custody can be hard for the teens, says Brian Betts, who oversees the facility for Cornerstone, the private company that runs the center.

"I think (the holidays) impact kids just like they impact us when we are away from our families," he says.

"I really believe, even if you come from a bad home, it's home," he continues. "To be away from parents, no matter what kind of relationship you have with them, is always hard."

To get through what can be a lonely time for inmates as young as 12, the staff tries to make the day pleasant, while still running a detention center with rules that must be followed. They provide a big breakfast and lunch for the kids, and let them watch movies, play games and call parents.

"Mixing it up help things out a lot," says staff member Marlon Southall, just before he starts dealing cards to three teenagers.

Southall agrees Christmas can be a tough time for the young inmates. But he also thinks the kids are more relaxed around the holidays. On Thanksgiving, for example, they ate a big dinner and got to watch football.

A local church organization had originally planned to bring McDonalds in for Christmas breakfast. After that idea fizzled - the restaurant was closed for the holiday - the staff quickly worked to put a meal together. At a place like this, it pays to be flexible.

Soon, the kids are sitting down to a hot meal of eggs, toast and, thanks to the church group Casper Youth For Christ, breakfast sandwiches. The din of video games, music and conversation gives way to quiet as the teens devour the food.

It might not be the same as Christmas breakfast at home, but it certainly makes the holiday a little more enjoyable.

"These kids are alright," says Douglas, taking a moment's pause from his work. "They just need a little love."

Reach crime reporter Joshua Wolfson at (307) 266-0582 or at josh.wolfson@trib.com.