Ernest P. Worrell is a character played by Jim Varney who is tasked with assisting Santa Claus in identifying his successor before Christmas. If he fails, Christmas will be lost. One of the delights of an Ernest film is the vast array of clothing he wears. Douglas Seale as Santa gives a fantastic performance, perfectly capturing the cheery old Saint Nick. Ernest Saves Christmas may not have been a box office hit at the time of its release, but it has developed a cult following since then. Need inspiration for unique holiday-themed gifts? Visit our Red Bubble store. Synopsis: When