NORAD Marks 70 Years of Santa Tracking This Christmas Eve

This Christmas Eve, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) proudly celebrates its 70th year of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his rounds around the globe. This delightful holiday tradition combines joyous festivities with the sophisticated tools of air defense, bringing happiness to families and children everywhere.

NORAD's journey into Santa tracking began in 1955 by an unexpected twist of fate, when a newspaper misprinted the contact number for Santa. Instead of sending the kids away, a military officer told them that Santa was in fine form and airborne. This kind gesture gradually evolved into the beloved annual event we cherish today.

On each Christmas Eve, NORAD shares that Santa departs the North Pole in his sleigh drawn by reindeer. Without a filed flight plan, Santa's exact route remains a mystery. NORAD officials whimsically declare that only Santa knows when and where he will arrive next.

The tracking process kicks off with radar systems in the northern reaches that identify Santa’s sleigh upon takeoff. Following this, satellites pick up his journey across the world. Interestingly, the same technology that serves to alert North America to missile threats is also harnessed for this festive purpose.

NORAD humorously claims that Rudolph’s shiny red nose helps satellite sensors spot the sleigh using thermal detection. Updates, maps, and images are shared online, letting children globally track Santa’s delightful journey as he delivers presents.

This year, President Donald Trump joyfully participated by answering calls from children while monitoring Santa's travels. Speaking from his Florida residence, he shared with one young caller Santa's whereabouts at that moment. He also playfully suggested that tracking Santa ensures no “bad Santa” breaches the national borders, adding a fun twist to the occasion.

Beyond its playful nature, the Santa tracker offers NORAD a unique opportunity to connect meaningfully with the public, showcasing a friendlier aspect of an organization primarily associated with defense. For countless families, following Santa’s path has become an integral part of Christmas Eve traditions.

Seventy years later, NORAD's Santa tracking has become a beacon of imagination and shared holiday delight. It serves as a gentle reminder that even the most serious institutions can pause to spread cheer on the most magical night of the year.