As Christmas Eve approaches, families across the United States, Canada, and beyond eagerly anticipate the annual tradition of tracking Santa Claus as he delivers gifts to children around the world. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been at the forefront of this festive activity since 1955, using advanced technology to monitor Santa’s journey.
A Global Tradition
NORAD tracks Santa using a combination of radar, satellites, and aircraft, allowing families to follow his progress from the North Pole to their homes. This year, tracking Santa has become even more inclusive, with updates available in nine languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. This effort is made possible through a partnership with Interpreters Unlimited Inc., which provides interpreters and voiceovers to ensure that children can enjoy the experience in their native languages.
Shamus Sayed, vice president of Interpreters Unlimited, emphasized the importance of inclusion: “When kids see where Santa is, they can see it in their language. Inclusion and visibility are so important.”
How It All Began
The tradition of tracking Santa began with a simple mistake. In 1955, a misdialed phone number led a child to call the Continental Air Defense Command (NORAD’s predecessor), where Colonel Harry Shoup assured the child that he was indeed speaking to Santa. This sparked a holiday tradition that has continued for nearly 70 years.
Today, millions of children from over 200 countries participate in this beloved event. NORAD receives more than 130,000 calls each year through its hotline at 877-HI-NORAD, where volunteers provide real-time updates on Santa’s location.
The Role of Volunteers
Every year, over 1,200 volunteers from the community and military personnel at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado help monitor phones and computers at the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center. These dedicated individuals ensure that families can enjoy this magical experience without interruption.
Bringing Joy to Families Worldwide
The NORAD Santa Tracker is not just about following Santa’s journey; it’s about creating joy and excitement for families during the holiday season. Sayed noted that seeing Santa “brings a smile every time,” providing an escape for both children and parents alike. The human touch provided by interpreters adds depth to the experience that automated systems cannot replicate.
Conclusion
As families prepare for Christmas Eve festivities, tracking Santa has become a cherished global tradition that transcends language barriers. With NORAD’s commitment to inclusivity and community involvement, children around the world can share in the magic of Christmas as they follow Saint Nick on his journey from the North Pole.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of December 24, 2024.
