Community Corner

Track Santa All Night With NORAD

The website offers fun activities for anyone eager for St. Nick's arrival.

Some people simply can't wait till Christmas morning to find out whether Santa Claus has paid them a visit.

For those who are impatient, don't worry. You can keep tabs on the big guy by following the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) website, which for one night is dedicated to tracking Mr. Claus' coordinates.

The site is more than an enhanced GPS; it also contains a "Kids Countdown Village," which offers games, activities and other features for young ones who eager for Santa.

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According to its website, NORAD has been tracking Santa for more than 50 years now, as did its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD).

The tradition began in 1955, the website says, after a Colorado Springs, CO-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement to call Santa misprinted the telephone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put callers through to the CONAD commander-in-chief's operations hotline.

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Col. Harry Shoup, director of operations at CONAD, had his staff check the radar for Santa all night while he updated the children who called in.

"Since that time, NORAD men, women, family and friends have selflessly volunteered their time to personally respond to phone calls and emails from children all around the world," the website says.

And of course: "Media from all over the world rely on NORAD as a trusted source to provide updates on Santa's journey," the website says.

To track Santa's whereabouts all night, makes sure you follow along at the NORAD website or follow them on Twitter @NoradSanta.


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