THEChristmas Eve is a moment of pure wonder, an occasion in which the wait is colored with lights, scents and a hint of mystery. Among the rites most loved by children – and not only – is that of Follow Santa’s journey while, with his sleigh loaded with gifts, he crosses the starry sky. But behind this enchanting tradition there is a story made of technology, volunteers and… a telephone error. For over half a century, NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, has turned Christmas Eve into a global adventure, thanks to its program NORAD Tracks Santawhich allows you to Follow the reindeer sleigh in real time.
A mistake that made history
It all began in 1955when a child he called accidentally a military command of Colorado, instead of hotline for Santa Claus advertised by a department store. The error arose from a poorly printed telephone number, but the Colonel Harry Shoupwho answered the call, transformed that moment into magic: «Of course, I’m Santa Claus!»he reassured the little one. From then on, the colonel and his staff they answered hundreds of phone callslaying the foundation for a tradition that continues today, operated by NORAD.
Technology at the service of Santa Claus
Today, NORAD uses advanced technologies to track Santa Claus. The radar and satellite systemusually used to monitor aerial threats, is dedicated on the night of December 24th to a special task: to follow the journey of the sleigh. Satellites detect the infrared heat emitted by the Rudolph’s bright nosethe most famous reindeer, allowing you to precisely identify the path of the sleigh.
Additionally, NORAD’s official website offers an interactive experience: starting December 1st, kids can explore a virtual village at the North Pole and, from the evening before, monitor the movement of the sled in real time. For those who want direct contact, I am a dedicated app available e social channels. Suffice it to say that last year, the agency showed the passage of the man in red also over Rome.
An army of volunteers alongside Santa Claus
Behind the success of NORAD Tracks Santa there is also the work of around 1,500 volunteers. On Christmas Eve, they enthusiastically answer the children’s questions, from the most curious – “How does it get into houses?” – to the most unusual – «Are you a Santa Claus elf?». This tireless commitment makes the experience even more authentic and engaging.
A global initiative that embraces the future
In recent years, Google too he created his own Santa Trackeroffering a technological alternative to follow Santa Claus. However, the appeal of the NORAD program, with its unique history and human involvement, remains unparalleled. Available in multiple languagesincluding Italian, continues to combine tradition and innovation, giving an additional pinch of magic to the holidays.
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