(NPPI)-Early this morning Santa Claus held a press conference, here at the North Pole, removing all doubt about whether he and his team will be making their annual trek. Apparently, rumors were true. There had been some concern about the condition of two of the reindeer, Olive and Rudolph.

Olive has just completed her therapy with a family counselor, who asked not to be identified (possibly Dr. Phil). Apparently, Olive, the other reindeer, had been engaging in some politically incorrect behavior such as name-calling, elitism, and excluding Rudolph from various reindeer games.

Olive, who became something of a celebrity years ago in a popular song about Santa and his reindeer, stated in her press release that she was very sorry for the hurt and pain which she caused, including running over grandma some years ago. During her therapy she became aware of huge amounts of deep-seated anger and bitterness, possibly stemming from her appearance on the Jerry Springer show, or her dysfunctional relationship with a former employer, the Grinch, a notorious thief known to specialize in Christmas theft.

"We are all glad to hear about Olive's recovery," remarked Mrs. Claus, "She is such a nice young girl. Who knows maybe one day she'll head up a team of her own."

Rudolph is on the mend and has been taken off the injured reserve list. It seems earlier this year, about the middle of October, he caught a cold, was picking his nose, sneezed too hard and it short-circuited.Thanks to the help of several Electronic & Nasal Specialists from NASA, Rudolph will be leading the team for the upcoming road trip,and with the added team member, things should go smoother and faster.

Merry Christmas from the North Pole; this is John Horton reporting for NPPI! ( North Pole Press Internationale)