NORAD Tracks Santa: A 6-Dozen-Year Tradition of Joy and Wonder

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is set to kick off its 69th annual Tracks Santa program on Christmas Eve, offering families around the world the chance to track Santa Claus's journey as he delivers gifts on his big night.

The tradition traces its roots back to 1955, when a young child accidentally called CONAD, the precursor to NORAD, claiming to want to speak with Santa. Colonel Harry Shoup, a commanding officer at the time, responded with a jolly voice, "all is 'ho ho ho' from North Pole Command, calling the North American continent." This response ignited a lifelong tradition, as Shoup's officer, Walter, would continue to respond to subsequent calls from children across the world, creating the idea for NORAD's Tracks Santa program.

Originally, NORAD staff used a 60-by-80 foot plexiglass map to track objects with radar images, but when asked about the location of Santa's sleigh, an officer cleverly explained that NORAD's radars detected a unique heat source emanating from a special reindeer's glowing nose - Smart Rudolf. This explanation not only satisfied the children's curiosity but also established a fund body of myth that continues to this day. Each year, more than 100,000 kids join the fun, calling or visiting the NORAD website to get updated information about Santa's location. A partnership with Interpreters Unlimited ensures that the service is available in 10 languages.

As NORAD's annual Santa Tracker tradition enters its 69th year, families around the world can follow Santa's journey xas he makes his rounds, with live updates available on NORAD's website, app, or hotline. For those wanting to get into the holiday spirit, LiveNOW from FOX will broadcast "Track Santa Now" on Christmas Eve, featuring interviews with NORAD officials and live updates on Santa's journey.