(AP)-Dec. 21, 2006 (NORTH POLE)- Prancer, one of the nine reindeer that pulls Santa Claus' sleigh every year at Christmas, has issued a statement through a publicist confirming longstanding rumors that he is gay. According to the statement, "Prancer has been in a relationship for several years now with a reindeer named Olaf from Finland."

The news was apparently not a surprise to his coworkers. "We always knew he was homosexual," said fellow reindeer Donner. "At first, no one wanted the position right in front of him on the sleigh. Looking back, we were being kind of silly. Prancer is very professional and keeps his personal life and his work life separate."