Christmas Eve has arrived, and with it comes Santa Claus beginning his legendary overnight trip to deliver gifts to children around the world.
Families in the Riverbend looking to keep tabs on Santa’s travels can do so through NORAD, which once again is tracking his progress throughout the night. The tradition adds a bit of excitement for kids — and a helpful reminder that Santa only stops once everyone is asleep.
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While the holiday mission is lighthearted, NORAD’s daily responsibilities are anything but. The organization is tasked with monitoring and protecting North American airspace around the clock, every day of the year. On Christmas Eve, that mission expands to include following Santa’s sleigh as it circles the globe.
The Santa-tracking tradition began nearly 70 years ago, in 1955, after a child mistakenly dialed a military operations number while trying to reach Santa Claus. Rather than ending the call, the officer on duty shared Santa’s “location,” unknowingly starting a Christmas Eve tradition that continues today.
In addition to online tracking, families can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD on Christmas Eve to speak with volunteers who provide live updates on Santa’s journey.
