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NORAD Tracks Santa Claus As He Begins His Journey On Christmas Eve

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will continue its tradition of monitoring Santa Claus’ flight during Christmas Eve so children around the world can see where he has already visited and where he will be next.

NORAD reports that Santa began his flight on time and was recently spotted in Australia, where the Santa Cam saw him flying through the world famous Sydney Opera House, according to the New York Daily News.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”– NORAD”]

If children are still awake when Santa arrives, he moves on to other houses. He returns later… but only when the children are asleep!

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The agency has tracked Santa’s flight since 1955, when a Sears ad misprinted the number to call Santa and used the CONAD commander-in-chief’s operations hotline. Staff then began using resources to give children updates on Santa’s location.

NORAD says that Santa’s sleigh travels faster than starlight and carries about 60,000 tons of presents, making tracking his progress no easy task. The website allows children to see Santa in flight and posts photos once he leaves a country.

NORAD says that Santa starts in the South Pacific before moving through New Zealand and Australia and then heading toward Asia, Africa, Europe, Canada and the U.S.

Volunteers at NORAD begin taking calls early Wednesday at 877-HI-NORAD to tell children when Santa is due at their home. Updates are also posted online and on social media, according to CBS Local.

Hundreds of military and civilian volunteers at NORAD at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado are estimated to take more than 100,000 calls this year through Christmas Eve, according to the Miami Herald.

 

Will you be tracking Santa’s progress tonight?

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