Every Christmas Eve, families across the United States, Canada, and beyond partake in a beloved tradition: tracking Santa Claus as he travels around the world delivering gifts to children. As excitement builds, parents rush little ones off to bed, hoping Santa won’t skip over their home because the kids are still awake.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) takes on this festive responsibility, using a sophisticated combination of radar, satellites, and aircraft from both the U.S. and Canada to keep tabs on Santa’s journey. Families can follow along using a desktop computer, a mobile app, or even by calling the NORAD hotline at 877-HI-NORAD. Importantly, for families who speak languages other than English, Interpreters Unlimited Inc. provides support with over 10,000 interpreters available to ensure everyone can participate in this magical experience.
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 due to a simple error. A child misdialed a number while trying to reach a department store Santa and ended up contacting Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup at the Continental Air Defense Command, NORAD’s predecessor. After realizing the mix-up, Colonel Shoup assigned his team to field calls from eager children, solidifying a holiday ritual that has continued since NORAD’s establishment in 1958.
Each year, millions of children from over 200 countries check in to see Santa’s location on Christmas Eve. Volunteers manage more than 130,000 calls through the hotline, while families can stay updated through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
The partnership between NORAD and Interpreters Unlimited plays a vital role in making the Santa tracker accessible to diverse audiences. Interpreters provide services in various languages, including Spanish, German, French, and Japanese. Shamus Sayed, vice president of Interpreters Unlimited, emphasizes the significance of representation and cultural inclusivity, stating, “There are 101 reasons kids want to see a Santa who represents them and their culture and language.”
This effort is not only a rewarding experience for children; it’s also a joyful opportunity for the interpreters involved. They find great satisfaction in contributing to a tradition that brings smiles to children’s faces and enhances the holiday spirit for families. Many interpreters look forward to returning year after year to support this festive occasion.
For families eager to join in the fun this Christmas Eve, the message is clear: visit the NORAD website, make a call, or simply enjoy the excitement of tracking Santa together. It’s an invitation for families of all ages to share in the magic of the season.
In conclusion, NORAD’s Santa tracker not only sparks joy and excitement among children around the globe, but it also fosters a spirit of inclusion that transcends language and culture, reminding us all of the joy and wonder that the holiday season brings to families everywhere.