This Christmas Eve, millions of children around the globe will engage once again with the beloved tradition of tracking Santa Claus as he embarks on his annual gift-giving expedition. The 2024 Global Santa Claus Tracking Initiatives demonstrate how this festive custom, which started by accident nearly seven decades ago, has expanded to include modern technology and international collaboration, enticing families everywhere to join the fun.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been the pioneer of holiday tracking since its humble origins in 1955. That year, during the height of the Cold War, the Continental Air Defense Command (as NORAD was formerly known) received accidental calls from children trying to reach Santa Claus due to an erroneous phone number advertised by Sears. When Col. Harry W. Shoup fielded the first call, he cleverly spun the interaction positively, adopting the persona of Santa to delight the young caller. This charming incident led to the establishment of what would become one of the most endearing holiday traditions.
Over the years, the tracking of Santa has evolved, but its essence remains the same; folks around the world get to witness Santa’s grand tour of the globe. This year, NORAD officials will confirm Santa's launch time on December 24 and track his route as he travels from destination to destination, starting from the South Pacific and moving westward across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. According to NORAD, Santa traditionally visits areas when children are asleep, ensuring he can quietly deliver gifts without being spotted.
"NORAD can confirm Santa's sleigh is a versatile, all-weather, multi-purpose, vertical short-take-off and landing vehicle," states the NORAD website, assuring children and parents alike of Santa's abilities. The tradition has persisted through government shutdowns and global changes, largely thanks to dedicated volunteers who field phone calls on Christmas Eve, fielding questions like, "Is Santa coming soon?" and "Can I be on the nice list?" Bob Sommers, a NORAD volunteer, describes the atmosphere as filled with laughter and excitement: "There are screams and giggles and laughter," he recalls. "I often tell the kids they must be asleep before Santa arrives, which gets the parents buzzing about bedtime!"
Alongside NORAD, tech companies like Google have also embraced the festive spirit, offering their own Santa tracking features. This year, Google's Santa Tracker has gone live, allowing families worldwide to follow Santa's progress through animated visuals and interactive games. Not only does the tracker show Santa's real-time location, but it also keeps tabs on how many gifts he has delivered—boasting over 1.5 billion as of this writing. Google users can explore fun features, such as animation and coding activities related to holiday traditions. The tracker, running for over ten years, makes use of Google Maps technology to provide seamless updates on Santa's route.
The festive initiative takes on even more excitement as NORAD pilots engage with Santa during his travels. They may intercept his sleigh occasionally, tipping their wings to greet him. According to NORAD, kids find immense joy when they learn Santa miles away is aboard his trusty sleigh: "When the jets intercept Santa, they tip their wings to say, 'Hello Santa! NORAD is tracking you again this year!'" Each interception garners smiles and waves, solidifying the magical connection between Santa and those who monitor his flight.
Historically, the origins of NORAD's Santa tracking extend beyond whimsical phone calls to the hard work dedicated by military personnel who wished to put joy back on the radar amid Cold War tensions. Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian, has pointed out how NORAD's Santa tracking effort is among the few modern additions to the centuries-old Christmas tradition. "Ad campaigns or movies try to 'kidnap' Santa for commercial purposes, but NORAD takes this staple of Christmas and views it through technological advancement," he said.
The overall excitement of the Santa tracking initiative each year blends old-world charm with new-age technology. NORAD has developed actual methods to monitor Santa, including using infrared sensors to track Rudolph’s iconic glowing nose. It has proven to be more than just entertainment for children; it's also provided adults with insight about the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Parents can also participate by calling 1-877-HI-NORAD to talk directly to NORAD operators who share Santa’s latest updates and guidance. The initiative allows the magic of childhood to flourish within the family unit—brimming with joy, wonder, and anticipation.
This Christmas Eve, as Santa makes his global rounds, the sense of community through shared laughter, phone calls, and digital interactions reminds us all of the human spirit’s enduring bond during this season of generosity. With NORAD and Google leading the way, the countdown for children around the world to catch glimpses of Santa’s joyous visits is set to ignite excitement across homes.
Families eagerly gather around their devices and experience the global tradition of tracking Santa, allowing kids to cherish their cherished moments before Christmas morning arrives. Through collaboration, creativity, and the spirit of giving, the legacy of Santa Claus continues to inspire future generations as they partake in this jubilant time, reaffirming the timeless message of togetherness and wonder.
