Is Santa Real? NORAD Tracks Santa's Christmas Eve Flight!

Get ready for a jolly adventure as we delve into the captivating story of NORAD's epic Santa Claus tracking tradition! Every Christmas Eve, millions of children and adults worldwide eagerly await to follow Santa's magical journey across the globe. This isn't just some whimsical fairytale; it's a real-world operation, a testament to festive spirit and technological prowess. This year promises to be extra special, keeping alive this longstanding legacy and igniting the Christmas spirit, no matter what's happening politically!

From Cold War to Christmas Cheer: The Birth of NORAD Tracks Santa

The tale begins in 1955, when a curious child's accidental call to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), now NORAD, launched a global Christmas phenomenon. Instead of a stern reprimand, the boy was greeted by a playful Colonel Harry Shoup, who expertly impersonated Santa, launching a joyous event which started on a wrong phone number!

The Misdial that Made Christmas History

A Sears ad had mistakenly listed CONAD's number, prompting a flurry of excited calls from children eager to chat with Santa. What initially started as a lighthearted diversion, was later to become a decades-long cherished tradition and international holiday staple. In those early days, they used large physical maps of the world to pinpoint unidentified flying objects and it turned out Santa's sleigh was also pretty interesting to pinpoint.

A Legacy of Holiday Merriment

The legacy continues, making NORAD a beloved part of Christmas worldwide. Volunteers generously offer their time answering children's heartwarming questions from all over the planet about Santa’s location and wish lists, reinforcing this long tradition that connects people of different cultural background to the spirit of giving. Volunteers still track the jolly man in red and his fleet of reindeer, providing up-to-the-minute updates on Santa's whereabouts on the day! It warms our hearts that something that began as a mishap became the beloved Christmas tradition.

Tracking Santa: How NORAD Does It

But how exactly do they keep track of Santa?

High-Tech Santa Tracking

This isn't about simple guesswork. NORAD utilizes cutting-edge technology. From early radar detection in Alaska and Canada to satellites which spot Rudolph’s bright, glowing red nose, technology plays an important part in spotting Santa.

Satellites, Radar, and a Dashing Reindeer's Nose!

Thanks to Rudolph’s unique ability, satellites pick up on the heat emanating from his nose and using technology from the NORAD systems and satellites track Santa's flight path using satellite and radar systems. What was originally just for military use helps bring Christmas cheer to millions every year. This process allows NORAD to pinpoint his location and relay updates in real time! Using NORAD's tracking expertise to keep tabs on the magic and share its festive journey across the world!

NORAD's Role: Keeping Watch, Even on Christmas Eve

The dedication of the team never fades. Despite its daily focus on monitoring for threats, NORAD remains vigilant in safeguarding our skies and spreading holiday cheer. These are not just some random people who took up the duty! These individuals make sure that Christmas happens. On Christmas Eve, the team keeps track of not only Santa, but his path in order to fulfill this cherished Christmas tradition. NORAD's mission blends seamlessly with holiday celebrations, showing what it truly means to serve the community and add a dash of seasonal spirit to national security work. Even with possible governmental shutdowns, the NORAD tradition keeps moving.

Engaging with the NORAD Tracks Santa Tradition

Want to be part of the magic?

Track Santa Live!

Visit www.noradsanta.org and track Santa's Christmas Eve journey across the globe, between 4 a.m. to midnight (Mountain Standard Time). Keep abreast of this journey on the NORAD Tracks Santa App or by phone. For real time Santa sightings, use NORAD's live phone operators between 6 a.m. and midnight.

Share the Christmas Spirit!

Millions around the world have contributed and become part of the magical NORAD Tracks Santa experience since 1955, and millions more continue to share in the event. The joy is infectious, so be a part of it. This isn't just about Santa tracking; it's about experiencing Christmas joy in a uniquely special way! Let’s spread the holiday cheer together!

Take Away Points

• NORAD's Santa tracking is a heartwarming holiday tradition dating back to 1955.
• It started by accident with a child's misdial. But look at how things turned out!
• NORAD uses high-tech systems, combining satellite technology and radar for tracking. And let's not forget Rudolph!
• You can track Santa's Christmas journey in real-time on www.noradsanta.org!