What's happened
On Christmas Eve, NORAD continues its tradition of tracking Santa Claus as he travels from the North Pole to deliver presents worldwide. This year, Santa's journey includes stops over Alaska, New Zealand, and other countries, with real-time updates available via NORAD's website and hotline. No travel disruptions reported.
What's behind the headline?
NORAD's tracking of Santa exemplifies how military technology can be repurposed for cultural engagement, fostering community and holiday spirit. The tradition's longevity highlights its importance in American and Canadian holiday culture, with real-time updates and interactive features enhancing global participation. This blending of technology and tradition demonstrates the power of digital tools to create shared experiences, especially during festive seasons. The story also underscores the enduring appeal of Christmas myths, adapted through modern technology to maintain relevance and joy across generations.
What the papers say
The Independent provides detailed updates on Santa's current location and NORAD's tracking methods, emphasizing the technological sophistication involved. The articles from 24 and 25 December highlight the tradition's history, including the origins in 1955 and recent enhancements like multilingual online tracking and social media engagement. Contrasting opinions are minimal, but the coverage underscores NORAD's successful adaptation of Cold War-era defense systems for holiday cheer, illustrating a unique intersection of military history and cultural tradition.
How we got here
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 after a misprint in a department store ad led a child to call a military command center, mistakenly believing it was Santa's hotline. NORAD, originally created for air defense, adopted the tracking mission to respond to these calls, transforming it into a festive holiday activity that now involves millions worldwide.
Go deeper
- How does NORAD track Santa so accurately?
- What are some of the most memorable Santa calls received by NORAD?
- How has the tradition evolved with technology over the years?
Common question
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Where is Santa right now? NORAD's Christmas Tracking Explained
Every Christmas Eve, millions around the world tune in to find out Santa's current location as he delivers presents. Thanks to NORAD's long-standing tradition, you can follow Santa's journey in real-time. Curious about how this all works, whether there are any travel disruptions, or how you can track Santa yourself? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more.
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