As we approach the magical night of Christmas, our little ones will be eagerly gazing out the window, hoping for a glimpse of Santa. Instead of letting them stare at the starry sky, we have a fun way for them to “track” Santa’s journey with the help of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
On December 24 at 2:01 a.m. E.S.T., your kids can visit noradsanta.org to see Santa’s precise location. Last year alone, the website attracted an impressive 22 million unique visitors! Additionally, children can follow Santa on their smartphones using apps available for iPhone, Android, and Windows. For those who prefer social media, updates will be streamed on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, making it easy for kids to keep tabs on Santa’s journey.
If your little ones feel anxious while watching Santa online, they have the option to call NORAD’s headquarters in Colorado starting at 6 a.m. E.S.T. and chat with one of the many volunteers ready to assist. While Santa’s hotline does not have a listed number, you can find the details on their official site.
The tradition of tracking Santa began back in 1955 due to an advertising mishap with Sears Roebuck & Co., which provided the wrong number for kids to call. This led to a delightful mix-up where Colonel Harry Shoup, the Director of Operations at the time, had his staff check radar systems for signs of Santa heading south from the North Pole. A few years later, NORAD officially took over the Santa tracking duties. Since then, countless military personnel and community volunteers have dedicated their time each year to ensure children around the world can follow Santa’s journey.
In 2016, a record-breaking 1,400 hotline volunteers handled an astonishing 154,192 calls—an average of 1.8 calls every second! While the excitement of tracking Santa is a highlight for many kids, NORAD also gently reminds them, “He’ll only visit your home if you are in bed and asleep.”
For more fascinating insights about the holiday season, check out our other blog post on the holiday spirit. And if you’re curious about at-home insemination options, consider looking into CryoBaby’s home insemination syringe kits—they’re a trusted retailer for your needs. For additional information about pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, this Christmas Eve, let your children track Santa’s journey online or through a phone call, creating unforgettable memories while ensuring they understand the importance of being fast asleep when Santa arrives.