Hi Everybody,

Santa here, feeling a little anxiety. Yesterday was the final day for the reindeers' swim training, and Donder had to be rescued! The poor guy -- he had just swum a record time but had trouble getting out of the pool, and Coach Bryant and Bill had to help him out! It was touch and go for a moment, but he seems to be doing okay. He's currently in the infirmary, under the care of Dr. Balmer, who seems to think he'll be ready to go in a couple of days. But I have to confess: I'm a little worried about my reindeer team this year.

You recall that Blitzen had been hiding his cache of candy in his stall, after the reindeer had been put on a strict training diet. Now this! It's less than a week away from the Sleigh Test Drive, which we do seven days before Christmas, and I'm concerned that the 'deer won't be up for the challenge.

Still, some of the other reindeer are doing great. I noticed that Cupid -- again! -- looked very strong during the swimming, and her performance during the run last week down to Candy Cane Ranch was also impressive. But I've never had a junior reindeer at the head of the team.

Tomorrow, they start their run training. We'll see what happens.

I also feel bad for Donder since it looks like he may miss the elves' birthday party tomorrow afternoon! They're baking a HUGE snowman cake, and putting up a million lights all around the plaza, and I heard they have invited a celebrity impersonator to entertain the crowd. That's right: Elfis Presley! I can't wait to see him!

In the meantime, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the progress of my nine trusty reindeer, whom I'm counting on to pull the sleigh on Christmas Eve. They've got to be ready!

I'll keep you posted.

Love,

Santa