The annual Christmas tradition of tracking Santa Claus on his worldwide trip has begun for the year 2023. This magical journey, made possible by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Google, allows children and adults alike to follow Santa’s movements as he delivers presents to children across the globe.
NORAD, in collaboration with Alphabet Inc.’s Google, offers two tools that enable people to track Santa’s journey. The NORAD Santa Tracker provides military-style updates on Santa’s location, along with a user-friendly app that features mini-games and live tracking. Google’s Santa Tracker, on the other hand, leverages Google Maps and offers a variety of mini-games and coding education for children.
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 when a local advertisement misprinted Santa’s phone number, instead directing children to call a secret hotline at the CONAD Center in Colorado Springs. The center’s Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup, decided to play along and provide updates on Santa’s whereabouts. This led to the birth of the NORAD Santa Tracker, which took over the tracking duties from the CONAD Center.
In 2004, Google joined the tradition and introduced its Santa Tracker, providing a unique tracking experience through Google’s technological expertise. Since then, NORAD’s Santa Tracker and Google’s Santa Tracker have become the primary choices for those wanting to follow Santa’s journey.
The NORAD Santa Tracker and Google’s Santa Tracker not only add to the holiday spirit but also promote technology and coding education among children. Both trackers offer engaging platforms with interactive games and educational resources, making the experience fun and informative.
This annual tradition, spanning almost seven decades, has become a beloved part of the holiday season. It not only brings joy and excitement to children around the world but also showcases the power of technology in creating immersive experiences. Tracking Santa’s journey has become a symbol of the magic and wonder of Christmas, reminding us of the importance of spreading joy and kindness during this festive time.
So, whether you choose to follow Santa’s journey through NORAD or Google, get ready to embark on a virtual adventure that will fill your heart with holiday cheer. Let the tracking begin!
