The Christmas tradition of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way around the world has become a global phenomenon. Children from all corners of the globe eagerly await Santa’s arrival, following his journey online or calling into the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to inquire about his whereabouts.
NORAD, typically responsible for scanning the skies for potential threats, transforms into Santa’s official tracker on Christmas Eve. Volunteers in Colorado Springs field calls from excited children asking when Santa will be visiting their homes and whether they’ve made it onto the naughty or nice list. The joy and laughter that fill the room as children share their Christmas wishes are a heartwarming sight for all involved.
The tradition of tracking Santa with NORAD dates back to the Cold War era, originating from a heartwarming story of a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. A misprinted Sears advertisement led a young boy to dial a secret military hotline, where he was greeted by Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup. Embracing the Christmas spirit, Shoup played along and assured the child that he was indeed speaking to Santa Claus.
Despite some skepticism surrounding the exact details of the origin story, the tradition of tracking Santa with NORAD has endured for decades. The agency’s use of a plexiglass map to track unidentified objects allowed for the whimsical addition of Santa and his sleigh flying over the North Pole, captivating children and adults alike.
NORAD’s annual Santa tracking has become a beloved addition to the holiday season, standing out from commercialized attempts to capitalize on Santa’s image. The technological lens through which NORAD views Santa’s journey adds a unique and modern twist to the centuries-old story of Santa Claus.
Today, NORAD utilizes radars and satellite systems to track Santa’s progress as he sets off from the North Pole and travels westward. The iconic glow of Rudolph’s nose serves as a beacon for the satellites, allowing them to track Santa’s movements throughout the night.
For those eager to follow Santa’s journey, NORAD offers an app and website where his progress can be monitored on Christmas Eve. Live operators are also available to provide updates on Santa’s location via phone call. The tradition of tracking Santa with NORAD continues to bring joy and excitement to children and families around the world, keeping the magic of Christmas alive year after year.
