NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is once again meticulously tracking Santa Claus’s epic Christmas Eve journey across the globe. Millions worldwide are following the festive mission as Father Christmas embarks on his annual delivery of gifts, navigating an intricate route that spans continents and time zones. This time-honored tradition, which began decades ago, sees the military organization provide real-time updates on the sleigh’s progress, captivating audiences from the South Pacific to the Americas.
The much-anticipated tradition traces its origins back to a delightful mishap in 1955. A local Colorado department store advertisement, which encouraged children to call Santa Claus, inadvertently printed a misdialed phone number, leading directly to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) operations center. Colonel Harry Shoup, the duty officer that night, famously instructed his staff to answer the calls and provide updates on Santa’s location, thus birthing a unique and enduring festive custom that continued when CONAD transitioned into NORAD in 1958.
Today, the NORAD Tracks Santa program has evolved into a massive global phenomenon, far exceeding its humble beginnings. Each year, over 100,000 children place calls to the organisation, eagerly inquiring about Santa’s whereabouts. Millions more access the real-time tracking online, available in nine different languages, witnessing St. Nick’s progress as he traverses the Earth’s meridians, bringing joy to countless homes.
Father Christmas commenced his monumental 24-hour mission from the North Pole, heading west towards the South Pacific. His journey involves an estimated billions of stops, a logistical feat unparalleled in human history. Early reports indicated Santa was already hard at work, having delivered over half a billion presents in the initial hours, demonstrating his legendary efficiency and dedication to ensuring every child receives a gift.
As his journey continued, Santa’s sleigh passed through diverse regions of Asia. After completing deliveries across Japan’s southern islands, he made his way to South Korea, with Jeju City among his first stops. The festive route then took him over North Korea, a nation of approximately 26 million people where Christmas is not typically celebrated due to its officially atheist state. Despite the cultural differences, Father Christmas maintains his consistent global itinerary.
Following his passage through Asia, Santa ventured into the vast expanse of Russia, the world’s largest country. Delivering presents to its 150 million inhabitants across 17 million square kilometres presented another significant challenge. Reports indicated his sleigh was seen over Birobidzhan, a town situated near the China-Russia border, before he continued his rapid westward trajectory.
Before heading into the major population centers, Santa also made a special detour to Antarctica. Here, he delivered presents to the dedicated researchers temporarily residing on the remote continent, providing a welcome touch of festive cheer to those far from home and family during the holiday season. From Antarctica, his route was set towards the Solomon Islands, with Australia expected to be among his next major destinations as the night progressed.
Military personnel, accustomed to tracking advanced aerial vehicles, often express a playful admiration for Santa’s unparalleled aviation skills. Second Lieutenant Tyler Turnmire, from the 601 Air Operations Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, previously remarked on Santa’s impeccable record, stating, “He has never had an accident in his 2,000 years plus.” This testament underscores the magical yet precise nature of Santa’s annual, eagerly awaited voyage.
