how many reindeer are in santa's sleigh

Oh, dear, I'm afraid the number of reindeer in Santa's sleigh varies from year to year. The exact count depends on a number of factors, including the number of gifts to be delivered and the distance to be traveled. But typically, Santa's sleigh is pulled by eight reindeer, including the famous namesake Rudolph, with the remaining reindeer serving as backups. However, occasionally, there may be additional reindeer needed to help with heavier loads or unexpected situations.