What started as an accidental phone call almost 70 years ago has turned into a fun and festive annual tradition for millions of families who want to track Santa Claus as he delivers presents across the world.
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) Santa Tracker, which has been tracking Santa since 1955, is officially tracking the big man in red as he makes his rounds around the world.
While the article is being written, Santa is making his way across Southeast Asia and has already delivered over 1.8 million presents.
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The NORAD tradition started when a young child accidentally dialled the unlisted phone number of the Continental Air Defence Command (CONAD) Operations Center upon seeing a newspaper advertisement telling kids to call Santa.
The Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup, answered the phone and instructed his staff to check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole.
Thus, the annual tradition was born and NORD, which was formed in 1958, has been reporting Santa’s location to millions of children and families each year.
Feel free to click here to see where the big man in red is currently flying over.
You can also call to inquire about Santa's whereabouts by dialling the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723), where they will either speak with a live phone operator or hear a recorded update.
