The spirit of Christmas is embraced once again as Santa Claus readies his sleigh for the annual delivery of presents on Christmas Eve. For 69 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has taken on the festive responsibility of tracking Santa's global jaunt from his lair at the North Pole, ensuring children everywhere can follow his progress.
This year, excitement is palpable as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand confirmed Santa's safe passage through Canadian airspace. "I am delighted to authorize Santa's travel in Canadian airspace as part of my duties as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade," Anand stated, underscoring the thrill of what is to come.
Tradition holds firm—starting from early on December 24 at 6 am Eastern Time, families can access updates on Santa’s flight path via NORAD's tracking service. Live operators will be on hand until midnight, providing Santa's precise location and cheering on the children eagerly awaiting his arrival.
This year, Santa is expected to descend upon various regions between 9 PM and midnight, with tracking data shared online as Santa zigzags his way around the world. NORAD's team is dedicated to monitoring and defending North American airspace around the clock, with this special Christmas Eve mission adding to their repertoire.
Corporal Colby Ramson, serving with the 22 Wing CFB North Bay, described how the command utilizes sophisticated technology to track Santa's course. "We use a wide variety of systems to track Santa. We actually see his departure out of the North Pole through radars along the northern part of Canada, then transition to tracking with satellites. Rudolph's nose has a very distinct heat signature we've learned to identify," he elaborated.
Families can delight not only in Santa’s adventures but also engage with NORAD through their hotline, 1-877-HI-NORAD, receiving live updates and sharing their excitement with operators who have been tasked to field calls from children worldwide. This aspect reflects the community spirit typical of this magical season.
Interestingly, this charming tradition originated from an accident back in 1955. A misprinted phone number for Santa Claus was published by a local department store, leaving children to unwittingly connect with the Continental Air Defense Command, NORAD's predecessor. The commander on duty, seeing the fun opportunity, took it upon himself to respond as Santa, engaging with the curious child and kickstarting the now-established custom.
This Christmas Eve, NORAD will carry on its historic legacy, tracking Santa’s route globally until he tucks himself back at the North Pole for deserved rest. The delight he brings to millions of children each year is unmatched, transforming anxious anticipation to sheer joy.
With every passing hour, families worldwide will witness Santa’s progress, entering homes filled with love, hope, and excitement. Championships may be fought across winter sports arenas, but when it’s time for Santa to come down the chimney, every heart races for the promise he brings—a promise wrapped up, quite literally, as the heart of Christmas.
