The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will commemorate 70 years of tracking Santa Claus on December 24, 2025. This unique tradition began in 1955, stemming from an innocent mistake by a child dialing a Sears store’s hotline intended for Santa.
Origins of Santa Tracking Tradition
The story took an unexpected turn when Colonel Harry Shoup, stationed at the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) in Colorado Springs, received the call. Initially brusque, Shoup quickly realized the potential for public engagement around the air defense system designed to protect North America from Soviet bombers.
A few weeks after the initial call, Shoup instructed his public-relations team to notify news agencies that they would be tracking Santa. This timely announcement sparked substantial media interest and helped raise awareness about North American defense during a tense geopolitical climate.
Formation of NORAD
- 1955: Tracking Santa begins at CONAD.
- 1957: NORAD is officially established by the United States and Canada.
- 1960: NORAD posts its first updates on Santa’s journey, including an incident where Santa’s sleigh made an emergency landing.
By 1957, the collaboration between Canada and the U.S. formalized as NORAD, enhancing the military’s visibility while tracking Santa’s flight from the North Pole. This engaging narrative served to illustrate NORAD’s commitment to safeguarding North America.
Tracking Santa: A Symbol of U.S.-Canadian Cooperation
Throughout the years, NORAD has not only continued this seasonal joy but has intertwined its mission with military might. By Christmas Eve 1960, NORAD provided real-time updates, one notable incident being when Canadian fighter jets checked on Santa after he landed in Hudson Bay to tend to a reindeer.
As the years went by, NORAD evolved, incorporating advanced technologies and intelligence operations, becoming an invaluable component in ensuring the safety of both nations. This yearly event now engages over 1,000 personnel from both nations, including military and civilian volunteers.
Global Engagement on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, the organization fields more than 100,000 phone calls from children around the world, bringing joy and a sense of wonder. This annual collaboration showcases the enduring friendship between the U.S. and Canada, transforming a typically serious military operation into a celebration filled with holiday magic.
The tradition of tracking Santa symbolizes the lighter side of international relations, reminding both adults and children alike of the joys of the holiday season amidst the complexities of defense and security.
