**”Ring in the Holiday Cheer: NORAD’s Santa Tracker Continues to Delight Children Worldwide”**
Every year, millions of children eagerly await Christmas morning, and one of the most anticipated holiday traditions is the NORAD Santa Tracker. For decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa’s journey around the world on Christmas Eve, providing real-time updates to kids and families everywhere.
The tradition began in 1955, when a Sears, Roebuck & Co. advertisement inadvertently directed children to call NORAD’s operations hotline to ask about Santa’s whereabouts. The phone number, which was meant for military personnel, was flooded with calls from curious kids. Colonel Harry Shoup, the director of operations at NORAD, decided to play along and provided updates on Santa’s location.
Today, the NORAD Santa Tracker has become a beloved holiday tradition, with at least 100,000 children calling in each year to inquire about Santa’s whereabouts. The organization has adapted to the digital age, now receiving over 15 million visitors to their website on Christmas Eve alone. The tracker provides real-time updates on Santa’s location, complete with interactive maps, games, and videos.
The NORAD Santa Tracker has become a global phenomenon, with children from over 15 countries participating in the tradition. On Christmas Eve, a team of volunteers, known as “Santa’s Helpers,” work tirelessly to answer phone calls, respond to emails, and update the website with Santa’s latest location.
The tradition has also evolved to include social media, with NORAD’s Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts providing updates and behind-the-scenes peeks at Santa’s journey. The organization has also partnered with Google to provide a special Santa Tracker feature on Google Maps.
The NORAD Santa Tracker is more than just a fun holiday tradition – it’s a reminder of the magic and wonder of Christmas. As children around the world eagerly await Santa’s arrival, the NORAD team works tirelessly to bring joy and cheer to families everywhere.
In the words of Colonel Shoup, “It’s a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and make Christmas magic for children of all ages.” As the holiday season approaches, millions of children will once again flock to the NORAD Santa Tracker, eager to follow Santa’s journey and experience the wonder of Christmas.
