UPDATE: Santa Claus has officially taken off on his annual gift-giving journey, with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) providing real-time updates as of December 24, 2023. Millions of children worldwide eagerly await his arrival as he travels from the North Pole, delivering joy and presents on this magical Christmas Eve.
For over 70 years, NORAD has tracked Santa’s path, a tradition that began during the Cold War in 1955. Despite its extensive capabilities, NORAD officials emphasize that they cannot predict Santa’s exact route, as he does not file a flight plan. “NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route,” stated a senior NORAD official.
Using advanced technology, NORAD monitors Santa’s journey with the same satellites that track potential missile launches aimed at North America. As soon as Rudolph lights up his iconic red nose, military personnel can pinpoint Santa’s location, ensuring that he is on schedule to spread holiday cheer.
The NORAD Santa Tracker, accessible on their website, has delighted families by providing images and updates throughout the evening. This unique tradition originated from a misprint in a Colorado Springs newspaper in 1955, which led children to mistakenly dial the Continental Air Defense Command, prompting a kind officer to assure them that Santa was en route to deliver gifts.
As festivities unfold, U.S. President Donald Trump engaged with children from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, sharing live updates on Santa’s whereabouts. During a call with a child from Pennsylvania, Trump noted, “So Santa right now is in Copenhagen, Denmark, but he’s heading toward our country.” He humorously added that tracking Santa aligns with national security efforts, stating, “We want to make sure he’s not infiltrated, that we’re not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa.”
The excitement builds as children around the globe track Santa’s progress, eagerly anticipating his arrival. This beloved holiday tradition not only brings joy but also unites families in the spirit of Christmas, reminding everyone of the wonder that this season brings.
As NORAD continues to provide updates, families are encouraged to follow Santa’s journey online, keeping the magic of Christmas alive. Stay tuned for more developments as Santa makes his way across the globe, delivering happiness and gifts to those who believe.
