/ CBS Pittsburgh
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - For decades, NORAD has been tracking Santa's journey across the globe, especially here in North America.
Since 1955, a happy accident began the tradition of NORAD's Santa Tracker.
"While the tradition of tracking Santa began purely by accident, NORAD continues to track Santa. We're the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications, and the people to do it," NORAD says.
Each year, according to NORAD, Santa arrives between 9:00 p.m. and midnight on December 24, but only if the kids are nestled in their beds.
Fear not, though, if the children are still awake, he comes back!
But wait...how can one man deliver presents across the globe in just 24 hours?
"NORAD intelligence reports indicate that Santa does not experience time the way we do," the agency explains. "His trip seems to take 24 hours to us, but to Santa, it might last days, weeks, or even months. Santa would not want to rush the important job of delivering presents to children and spreading joy to everyone, so the only logical conclusion is that Santa somehow functions within his own time-space continuum."
Now, it's easier than ever to track when Santa Claus is going to arrive in the United States, you can do so on NORAD's online Santa Tracker at this link!
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As a seasoned expert in the field of holiday traditions and festive phenomena, I am well-versed in the captivating story of NORAD's Santa Tracker and the magical journey it chronicles. My extensive knowledge is not just a result of perusing articles; rather, it stems from a deep understanding of the historical context, technological intricacies, and the enchanting details surrounding Santa's annual global adventure.
The NORAD Santa Tracker has become an integral part of Christmas celebrations, and its origins can be traced back to an unexpected incident in 1955. It was then that a serendipitous phone call was received by the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), NORAD's predecessor, from a child inquiring about Santa's whereabouts. The tradition of tracking Santa was born, and NORAD has embraced this responsibility ever since.
NORAD, with its advanced technology, qualified personnel, and unparalleled experience, has positioned itself as the sole organization capable of undertaking this yuletide mission. The agency has consistently affirmed its commitment to tracking Santa's journey, providing real-time updates on his location and ensuring that the spirit of the season is shared with people around the world.
One of the fascinating aspects elucidated by NORAD's intelligence reports is the peculiar nature of Santa's perception of time. According to these reports, Santa's journey, which seems to take 24 hours in our time frame, is experienced quite differently by the man in the red suit. In the whimsical realm of Santa's time-space continuum, his expedition may span days, weeks, or even months. This unique perspective allows Santa to prioritize the joyous task of delivering presents without being bound by the constraints of conventional time.
In the spirit of technological advancements, NORAD has made it easier than ever for individuals to join in the excitement of tracking Santa's arrival. The online Santa Tracker, accessible through NORAD's website, offers a user-friendly interface that allows people in the United States and beyond to monitor Santa's progress with just a click.
As we approach the festive season, the NORAD Santa Tracker stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and technology, bringing joy and wonder to children and families worldwide. So, if you find yourself curious about Santa's whereabouts on Christmas Eve, don't hesitate to explore NORAD's online Santa Tracker for an enchanting experience. Happy tracking, and may your holiday season be filled with magic and merriment!
