For 70 years, children worldwide have eagerly awaited the opportunity to track Santa Claus's Christmas Eve journey, thanks to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). This binational command, comprising members of the Canadian and U.S. military, has a year-round mission of safeguarding the continent. However, on Christmas Eve, they take on a unique and festive task: tracking Santa. NORAD employs sophisticated technology, including radars, satellites, and fighter jets, to monitor Santa's travels as he delivers gifts to children around the globe. Major Kathleen Leaton of the Royal Canadian Air Force explained that while NORAD is dedicated to tracking airborne threats to North America, the same tools are utilized to follow Santa on his special night. "We're 365 24/7. We never stop tracking airborne aircraft and airborne threats to North America," Leaton stated. The Santa tracking tradition began in 1955 due to a misdialed phone call. A child attempting to reach Santa accidentally contacted the Continental Air Defense Command. The colonel who answered the call humorously informed the child that while he couldn't connect them to Santa, he could provide updates on Santa's location. As families prepare for Santa's visit, NORAD officials advise children in Utah to be asleep before 9 p.m. to ensure they do not miss Santa's arrival. Leaton emphasized, "We don't know exactly when he'll reach your house specifically, but we do know that it's a good idea to make sure you're in bed before 9 p.m." Families interested in tracking Santa can do so by calling the NORAD hotline at 1-877-446-6723 or visiting NORADSanta.org. This beloved tradition not only brings joy to children but also showcases the commitment of NORAD to engage with communities during the holiday season.