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Holiday tradition continues after neighborhood Santa survives ATV crash

A man known for his holiday spirit is back in action this holiday season after a near death experience last year.

WANNAMINGO, Minn. - A man known for his holiday spirit in the small town of Wannamingo had to cancel the neighborhood Christmas celebration last year after a near death experience.

This year, the spirit of the season lives on.

“It’s pretty fun watching the peoples expressions… it’s pretty enjoyable,” said Mike Overby, who is known as Wannamingo’s modern day Kris Kringle.

Mike may not have a big red sleigh but he does have a big white truck and a decked out trailer. Mike and his closest friends and family have gotten together for the past 20 years for one night to spread Christmas cheer to the residents of Wannamingo. Except last year the unexpected happened.

“I was ATVing and basically had an accident and hit my head on tar and from there I don’t remember anything,” Mike said. “They helicoptered me out and I was in the hospital for one month and they got me going good enough to go home.”

A horrifying experience for all of Mike’s closest friends and family.

“You can’t prepare for that phone call and see the person that you love look like that and struggle to stay alive for so long, it’s heartbreaking,” said Mike’s girlfriend Kim Walstad. “I can’t express how horrible it is, it is a terrible experience.”

Kim says they had no choice but to cancel the Christmas celebration last year, uncertain if Mike would be able to continue with the annual holiday tradition.

“The fact for how severe his brain injury was and the fact that he is alive and doing well is amazing,” Kim said. “Someone is shining down on him.”

An old tradition in a new light, the spirit of the season lives on another night.

“I think that’s pretty much more of it than anything, bringing people together, especially after my accident I think it’s pretty great,” Mike said.

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