They sent him their wish lists, sat on his lap and left cookies and milk for his arrival. Now the only thing left for children to do is track Santa's progress as he delivers gifts around the world this Christmas Eve.
Thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, families worldwide can now follow Santa's Christmas journey in real time, and the NORAD Santa Tracker has already started tracking Santa's journey. The tracker will remain live until 5 a.m. Christmas Day.
Not going to be near a computer today? NORAD's Santa Tracker is mobile, too. Download the Android or iPhone app and let your kids track Santa from your phone. And you could always call, as official Santa trackers are standing by to update you on Santa’s current location when you dial 1-877-446-6723
The tradition started in 1955 after an advertisement for Sears Roebuck & Co. misprinted a telephone number for a special "Santa hotline." Instead of reaching Kris Kringle, the number put kids through to the Continental Air Defense Command commander-in-chief’s operations, according to a description on the NORAD Tracks Santa Facebook page. Colonel Harry Shoup, director of operations at the time, received the first Santa call and had his staff check radar data for the jolly old elf. From then on, children who called in were given an update on his position.
In addition to keeping tabs on Santa's whereabouts, there is plenty to do on NORAD's Santa-tracking site. Check out the Kids' Countdown Village, which has more than two dozen games for children to play.
Looking for additional ways to track Santa? Follow NORAD on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Tell us when he's nearing Barrow County!
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