The Recession had even effected the North pole.
Santa Claus had to lay off half the elves, the remainder would get a cut in pay and no Christmas bonus or overtime pay. Toy production would suffer. Advertising would cease, Santa would file for bankruptcy and there might be no more deliveries on Christmas night.
Donder and Blitzen were let go through early retirement.

Santa wrote a letter to congress and the President of the US:
Dear Mr. President,

How about letting me in on some of that government bailout?
Do it for the kids of the world. Can you image No more toys at Christmastime?
Don’t be a Grinch.

Sincerely,
S Claus

If the President refused, then Santa would be forced to close his toy making shop and retire to Bermuda on his pension money.