Tiny Tim Cratchit is the youngest son of Bob Cratchit and Emily Cratchit from A Christmas Carol and on The Muppet Christmas Carol. Tiny Tim was born a cripple, and must carry a crutch when walking, and also has difficulty breathing, as well as a tendency to break into a coughing fit when too excited. For all of his ailments, Tiny Tim remains cheerful, optimistic, and loving. He enjoys long walks on his father's shoulder and is always putting others above himself. Tiny Tim's plight plays a major role in the eventual reformation of Ebenezer Scrooge.