The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has turned a simple Christmas tradition into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of children each year to track Santa Claus as he delivers presents worldwide. What started as a Cold War-era morale boost now engages children and families globally, blending holiday magic with advanced technology.
Millions Engaged Worldwide
Every Christmas Eve, NORAD transforms its mission from scanning the skies for potential threats to answering calls from children eagerly asking, “When is Santa coming to my house?” or, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” At least 100,000 kids call NORAD annually, and millions more track Santa online in nine different languages, including English, Japanese, and Spanish.
“There are screams and giggles and laughter,” shared Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and longtime NORAD volunteer. Sommers often reminds children that they need to be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to play along and urge their little ones to head to bed early.
A Hollywood-Like Origin Story
This beloved tradition traces its origins to 1955, thanks to a serendipitous mistake. A Sears advertisement in Colorado Springs encouraged children to call Santa Claus but mistakenly printed a top-secret phone number for the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), NORAD’s predecessor.
Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup, then CONAD’s commander, answered the emergency “red phone” only to be greeted by a child reciting his Christmas wish list. Realizing the situation, Shoup quickly assumed the role of Santa Claus, responding in a deep, jolly voice, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?”
The phone continued to ring with calls from children. Recognizing the opportunity, Shoup encouraged his team to embrace the moment, even marking Santa’s sleigh on their massive plexiglass map of North America. Thus, the tradition was born, with CONAD issuing a public statement that Santa had been assured safe passage into the U.S.
The Tradition Endures
Today, NORAD’s Santa tracker is one of the few modern additions to Santa’s centuries-old story that has stood the test of time. “It’s a unique way of blending technology and holiday magic,” said Canadian historian Gerry Bowler, author of Santa Claus: A Biography.
NORAD utilizes advanced radar systems and satellites to track Santa’s journey. “A little-known fact is that Rudolph’s glowing red nose emanates a lot of heat, which our satellites can detect,” explained Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham.
Santa typically begins his journey at the North Pole, heading toward the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean, and continues westward, following the night. Families can follow his progress via NORAD’s dedicated app and website, www.noradsanta.org, or call 1-877-HI-NORAD to speak with live operators.
Shoup’s Legacy Lives On
Col. Shoup, who passed away in 2009, is fondly remembered as the man who turned a simple mistake into a cherished holiday tradition. His daughter, Terri Van Keuren, shared, “Later in life, he received letters from all over the world, thanking him for his sense of humor and for spreading joy.”
This unique blend of technology and holiday cheer continues to bring smiles to millions, reminding us of the season’s magic and goodwill.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
