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As children across the globe eagerly await Santa Claus's annual journey, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) ensures they can follow his sleigh's every move with their time-honored Santa Tracker.
The tradition began serendipitously in 1955 when a misprinted advertisement for Sears directed children to call Santa directly. Instead, it connected them to the operations "hotline" of the then-Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Center.
Colonel Harry Shoup, the officer on duty, played along, giving callers updates on Santa's whereabouts. Building on that unexpected event, NORAD, CONAD's successor, has since provided "Santa tracking" as a free service every December leading up through Christmas Eve. Using radar, satellites, jet fighters, and even Santa Cams, NORAD ensures children — and the young at heart — can monitor Saint Nick's progress as he travels from the North Pole, delivering gifts around the world.
The evolution of technology has allowed this beloved program to grow exponentially. Initially only available via telephone, today's Santa Tracker includes a dynamic website, social media presence, and even mobile apps that provide real-time updates, interactive games, and videos.
Each year, hundreds of volunteers, including military personnel and their families, staff the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center, answering calls and emails from eager children from various parts of the world. The multilingual team ensures that kids from different cultures and languages can learn about Santa's journey and the magic of Christmas.
While NORAD's primary mission is to defend North America against threats, the Santa Tracker serves as a heartwarming testament to the season's spirit, bridging military precision with the joy and wonder of the holidays.
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