In December 1955, a peculiar event transformed a military operation into a beloved holiday tradition. A young child mistakenly called the Continental Air Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado, expecting to reach Santa Claus. This chance encounter marked the beginning of NORAD’s tradition of tracking Santa.
NORAD’s Tracking Tradition: A Happy Accident
On a snowy night during the Cold War, Colonel Harry Shoup answered a hotline meant for national emergencies. Instead of dire news, he was met with a child’s innocent query, “Are you Santa Claus?” Initially taken aback and thinking it was a prank, Shoup quickly calmed the child. He learned that the number was mistakenly published in a Sears advertisement, allowing children to call Santa.
The Birth of a Holiday Legend
This phone call led to the formation of the NORAD Tracks Santa program. Colonel Shoup became known as the “Santa Colonel.” He assured the child that he was tracking Santa’s journey, sparking the lore surrounding this unique program. Brigadier General Steven Gorski of NORAD stated that Shoup’s engaging response to the child initiated the tradition we recognize today.
From Miscommunication to Media Sensation
- The initial call happened on November 30, 1955, not Christmas Eve as often claimed.
- Shoup communicated with the child and later informed the media.
- The story gained traction across various news outlets, evolving each year.
As the years progressed, the myth expanded. Annual media reports described military jets intercepting Santa’s sleigh, and a playful 1981 headline introduced a fictitious technology called RUDOLPH—an abbreviation for Reindeer Uni-directional Omnilocational Positioning Hardware.
The Expansion of NORAD Tracks Santa
Fast forward to today, NORAD Tracks Santa has evolved into a multimedia spectacle. It features a website in multiple languages and a call center at Peterson Space Force Base. Over 1,000 volunteers, both military and civilian, engage with children worldwide, answering approximately 380,000 calls during the period.
- The NORAD website receives around 2.3 million hits each Christmas Eve.
- Volunteers provide updates, games, and live radar tracking Santa’s sleigh.
- Translators assist children speaking various languages.
Celebrating Community and Connection
According to General Gorski, this initiative fosters community spirit. It bridges gaps between the military and the public, showcasing the compassionate side of service members. Author Michael Keane noted that the tradition positions Santa as a modern superhero, with military personnel playing the role of dedicated helpers.
As we approach this festive season, NORAD’s tradition continues to enchant children and adults alike. Those interested can track Santa’s journey by visiting El-Balad’s dedicated site or calling in to share the excitement.
