As a reminder to kids big and small across the area, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will again be tracking the flight of Santa Claus as he makes his way around the world, delivering presents to all good girls and boys.
Santa Tracking information can be found on NORAD’s website www.noradsanta.org. In addition to this web-based service, Central Nebraska Santa trackers can call 1-877-HI-NORAD (877-446-6723) to ask NORAD operators about Santa’s location from December 24 at 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM on December 25.
NORAD is a United States and Canadian bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and control, and maritime warning in the defense of North America. NORAD tracks Santa to spread good will and holiday cheer, while also informing people around the world about NORAD’s missions.
NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955 when a young child dialed the misprinted phone number from a department store advertisement in the local newspaper. That phone number rang into the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The operations center director was quick to realize a mistake had been made, but instructed his staff to check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Each year since, NORAD has dutifully reported Santa’s location on December 24 to millions of children and families across the globe.
While NORAD tracks Santa, only Santa knows his route. NORAD cannot predict where and when he will arrive at any particular house, but they will let you know when you better watch out, and when you should be sleeping this Christmas Eve to make sure St. Nick stops off at your house this year.
