The U.S. Department of Transportation is putting a new twist on an old Christmas tradition this year.

In past years, just before Christmas, the DOT has authorized Santa to operate in U.S. air space.

But this year, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters went further, authorizing Santa to use a hydrogen-powered sleigh.

No word yet on how Santa’s reindeer feel about this.  But the rumor is that the group RAHS – or Reindeer Against Hydrogen Sleds – has scheduled a press conference for tomorrow.