NORAD Santa Tracker/ Santa tracking history/ Christmas Eve traditions/ tracking Santa Claus/ holiday magic NORAD/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ NORAD’s Santa Tracker, a beloved holiday tradition since 1955, allows millions of children worldwide to track Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve. Originally started by accident during the Cold War, the tracker now combines technology and holiday magic, offering updates via a website, app, and hotline. The tradition has grown to global popularity, emphasizing joy, wonder, and a touch of military history.
How NORAD Tracks Santa: Quick Looks
- Origins: The tradition began in 1955 after a child accidentally called NORAD’s predecessor, sparking an impromptu response.
- Modern Reach: The tracker is now available in nine languages and attracts millions of viewers globally.
- Tech Meets Magic: NORAD uses radar, satellites, and Rudolph’s glowing nose to track Santa.
- Volunteer Effort: Colorado Springs volunteers answer over 100,000 calls annually from curious kids.
- Global Tradition: The tracker has become a rare, enduring addition to the Santa Claus story.
How NORAD’s Santa Tracker Became a Beloved Holiday Tradition
Deep Look
From Cold War Roots to a Global Tradition
NORAD’s Santa Tracker began unexpectedly in 1955 when a child mistakenly called the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), now NORAD, thinking it was Santa Claus. Instead of dismissing the call, Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup, who answered the phone, decided to play along, giving life to what would become a cherished holiday tradition.
The incident occurred after a Sears advertisement printed the wrong number, leading children to accidentally call CONAD’s emergency hotline. Despite the seriousness of CONAD’s mission—monitoring for Soviet threats during the Cold War—Shoup recognized the opportunity to spread some holiday cheer. His team even mapped Santa’s sleigh on their radar system, and the media picked up on the heartwarming story.
Global Reach and Modern Evolution
Today, NORAD’s Santa Tracker has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Each year, over 100,000 children call the 1-877-HI-NORAD hotline, and millions follow Santa’s journey online. The tracker is available in nine languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese, ensuring kids everywhere can join the fun.
Technology has enhanced the tradition. NORAD uses its cutting-edge radar and satellite systems to detect Santa’s sleigh as he departs the North Pole. “Rudolph’s glowing nose emits heat, which our satellites track as Santa travels,” explained Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham.
Santa’s route typically begins at the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean, moving west as he delivers presents, following the progression of nightfall.
Volunteers Bring Santa’s Journey to Life
In Colorado Springs, volunteers field calls from curious children on Christmas Eve. The questions range from Santa’s exact location to whether the child is on the naughty or nice list.
“There’s so much joy and excitement,” said Bob Sommers, a longtime NORAD volunteer. Parents often use the calls to encourage their kids to go to bed early, reminding them Santa won’t arrive until everyone is asleep.
Resilience Through the Decades
The tradition has continued uninterrupted for nearly 70 years, enduring government shutdowns, evolving technology, and shifting global dynamics. Even during the 2018 government shutdown, volunteers ensured the Santa Tracker continued, a testament to its importance as a symbol of holiday magic.
A Rare Addition to Santa’s Legend
According to historian Gerry Bowler, author of Santa Claus: A Biography, NORAD’s Santa Tracker is a unique addition to the centuries-old Santa story. Unlike commercial adaptations, it merges Santa’s mythos with modern technology, making it both timeless and innovative.
How to Track Santa in 2024
NORAD’s Santa Tracker is accessible via its website, www.noradsanta.org, and a dedicated app. Tracking begins at 4 a.m. MST on Christmas Eve and runs until midnight. Kids can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD from 6 a.m. to midnight for real-time updates from live operators.
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