Duluth – Christmas Eve, 2010. Don Liimatainen lay plastered against his sofa, gray and withered from the autoimmune disease that would soon claim one of his more important organs. He stared hopelessly at his tree. With its base bereft of toys, it was little more than a balefire crackling at the center of what would become his 3-year-old son’s worst Christmas ever.
Suddenly, Don heard a knocking. Not Santa Claus, but that even more benevolent figure – Mom – plus a host of other relatives in tow. Two giant bags of gifts!
“I was overcome by emotion," said Don. “To receive such generosity at my lowest moment … well, suffice to say it changed me deeply. God planted a seed in me that day. I resolved to pay that kindness forward.”
Don recovered enough by the following year to put action to his intent. He, a group of friends, and several local businesses united to form Best Christmas Ever: a nonprofit organization that would aid a single family in the throes of a similar holiday crisis.
It was a resounding success. Best Christmas Ever proceeded to save the day for five families in need in 2013; twice as many the following year; 169 in 2021. “Our goal has always been to double the number of families we serve every year,” said Don. “That mission has extended Best Christmas Ever across the United States and Canada, and even to Costa Rica.”
Hibbing, Minnesota, 2021
A single mother of six, gripping her steering wheel in terror. Could this be the regular trip to Children’s Minnesota that would destroy her decrepit car once and for all? Please, God, don’t let it be, she hoped.
She later thought she was attending a work party in the basement of the Hibbing Memorial Building. She was shocked to discover her entire family there alongside a sea of new faces. All had banded together to give her children gifts – and she, a sparkling new Subaru Ascent.
“You noticed me in my hardest struggles,” she forced through tears. “Now I know I’m not alone!”
Truro, Iowa, 2023
A recently widowed mother, who, like half of her four sons, had been diagnosed with cancer. Best Christmas Ever arrived at her door to deliver everything on her boys’ wish lists, plus funds to keep them in sports and pay off bills.
“My husband used to spend summer evenings with our boys down at the baseball field,” she reminisced. “They’d only come home when it grew too dark to play. If I could have one wish, it would be for that ballfield to have lights so others can stay there long into the night.”
The following summer, mother and sons flipped the switch on brand new stadium lighting: installed free of charge by Medina Electric and Muska Sports Lighting.
Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 2026
A volunteer steps forward to help yet another family. They have raised a life-changing sum of money, and amassed a mountain of gifts for children who otherwise would have had naught. The volunteer moves toward a door that isn’t their own, and knocks, and feels a warmth rush over them. It comes not from their heart, but from the Light that pierces all darkness.
“Anyone can become that volunteer,” added Don, “and they won’t have to do it alone. They’ll have help from great local businesses, such as SCHEELS which just recently invited 100 of our volunteers to breakfast followed by a massive free shopping spree, and Kowalski’s, whose Kowalski's 4 Kids foundation provided us with a three-year $100,000 grant during the pandemic, and which also displays our donation boxes at their cash registers.
“I’m also happy to say that volunteers will have excellent leadership. Jason Ianfola, the Eden Prairie resident who owns Medina Electric, became our new chairperson on July 1st earlier this year. He is the perfect person to take up the task. Tireless. Not afraid to roll up his sleeves. A true heart of service. Although, in all fairness, that’s pretty much everyone who gives their time, energy, and resources to Best Christmas Ever.
“Life isn’t about how many breaths you take. It’s about how many moments take your breath away. If you ever find yourself rooting for goodness from the sidelines, then I ask you: Consider joining the game.” BCEMovement.org
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
– Proverbs 11:25