NORAD Santa Tracker Keeps the Magical Tradition Alive for Children Worldwide
For the 69th consecutive year, the ‘North American Aerospace Defense Command’ will monitor Santa’s journey as he delivers gifts to children around the world.
For kids everywhere, one of the many delights of the holiday season is the anticipation of Santa Claus’s arrival and his voyage to deliver the presents waiting beneath the Christmas tree.
With over 2 billion homes globally and a limited timeframe to complete the mission, the “North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)” has provided children with the chance not only to track Santa’s real-time progress but also to partake in the festive excitement.
Using NORAD’s “North Warning” radar system across 47 installations, along with satellites and fighter jets, the organization ensures it closely monitors the radar for signs of Santa departing from the North Pole.
Each year, over 100,000 children call into NORAD in Colorado Springs, with volunteers on standby on Christmas Eve to answer questions related to Santa or the holiday, available in various languages.
Moreover, on its website, NORAD provides access to Santa’s virtual North Pole Village, a holiday countdown, games, a movie theater, holiday music, and a web store.
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“There are screams and giggles and laughter,” Sommers noted.
The tracking service also provides fun facts about Santa’s journey, including the speed of his sleigh, the number of stops he has made, and how many presents are left, making the experience engaging for eager kids.
“I’m really excited to have a chance to participate, and what I’m most looking forward to is interacting with all citizens spreading cheer during the holidays.”
Origins of Santa Tracking
This tradition began in 1955, during the Cold War, when a department store advertisement mistakenly published the wrong phone number for children to reach Santa Claus.
A young boy accidentally contacted the “Continental Air Defense Command,” now known as NORAD, asking to speak with Santa while sharing his wish list.
Colonel Harry Shoup, the officer on duty, decided to embrace the mistaken call and assured the boy he would keep an eye out for Santa using their radar system.
Following that, around 50 additional calls poured in that day, and a new tradition was born. Fusing a touch of holiday magic with technology, NORAD continues to spread joy, holiday spirit, and new excitement for children worldwide each year.
