The Fella Who Couldn't Wait For Christmas

In this SCTV After School Special parody, Ed Grimley (Martin Short) is so excited about Christmas that he can't sleep on Christmas Eve. The hyperactive, triangle-haired character bounces around his bedroom in his signature suspenders and slicked hair, frantically anticipating the holiday. Despite repeated commands from an off-screen voice yelling "GET TO BED!", Ed continues his manic monologue about Christmas preparations, gift-giving advice, and his general nervousness about the holiday. The sketch perfectly captures Ed Grimley's trademark anxiety and childlike enthusiasm through Short's physical comedy and unique vocal delivery.

This sketch is part of the Ed Grimley recurring character series, one of Martin Short's most famous creations. Ed Grimley originated at The Second City Toronto and became so popular he appeared on both SCTV and later on Saturday Night Live. The character even got his own animated series in 1988 ("The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley"). The episode won Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program in 1983. Ed Grimley is notable for being the only character to appear on both SCTV and SNL. The sketch format parodies ABC After School Specials, a common SCTV comedic device. Duration: 2 minutes 25 seconds. Originally aired November 5, 1982, re-aired December 17, 1982.