“You’ve got to be kidding me, Elf.”

“Well, sir, you see, the reindeer are on strike.”

“Strike? How can reindeer go on strike? This is unbelievable!”

“It seems, sir, that during the off season Comet was watching a show on the television and ..”

“I told you not to let them watch that blasted television!”

“I know, but Comet watched and something about better pay for long working days….and well, Rudolph decided a strike was in order.”

“Rudolph! I should have known. They work one day out of the year and I am expected to pay them, what? Carrots?”

“Sir, they do work rather …”

“ELF! Are you questioning my work ethics? Well they won’t get even a baby carrot out of me!”

“I understand, sir. The Witch has loaned us her help.”

“I see. Well, let’s get those monkeys harnessed and see if we can get this done in record time.”