In 1955, Col. Harry Shoupe received an unexpected call at NORAD, expecting the worst. To his surprise, a little girl on the other end of the line asked a simple question: Where is Santa Claus? Little did he know that this innocent inquiry would spark a Christmas tradition that has lasted for more than 65 years. Today, NORAD still spends every Christmas Eve diligently tracking Ol’ Saint Nick as he makes his way across the globe.
Over the years, NORAD’s role in this holiday mission has expanded beyond just tracking Santa. With an increasing number of air traffic and satellites filling the skies, it has become a necessity to help Santa navigate his way through the night. Major General William Radiff explains, We use a combination of radar, satellite, and some other stuff I can’t even tell you about!
At the heart of this operation are the dedicated volunteers who make it all possible. Katie Cornelio, who has volunteered at the NORAD Christmas Eve Call Center eight times, shares her experience. I am 21 years old and I still cannot sleep on Christmas Eve night! she confesses. Cornelio is just one of the 1500 volunteers who cycle throughout Peterson Space Force Base, answering phone calls from children around the world. These volunteers not only inform eager youngsters when Santa will reach their houses but also let them know if they have made it onto the naughty or nice list.
Reflecting on her time as a volunteer, Cornelio says, When I was younger, I always loved to call in, and now that I’m older, I have the privilege to be answering those phone calls. It’s just a glimpse of how magical Santa is, and when you get that answer of when Santa is coming to my house, I know when I got that answer I was freaking out! So I just think it gives a glimpse of that Christmas magic that we also want so badly.
The NORAD Santa tracking tradition has not only captured the hearts of children worldwide but also serves as a testament to the power of spreading joy and maintaining a sense of wonder during the holiday season. With each passing year, the NORAD team, volunteers like Katie Cornelio, and Major General William Radiff continue to bring smiles to the faces of children and adults alike.
As NORAD prepares to embark on another Christmas Eve mission of tracking Santa Claus, it reinforces the notion that believing in the magic of Santa is not limited to a particular age group or nationality. This heartwarming tradition unites people from all walks of life, reminding us to embrace the holiday spirit and spread joy wherever we go.
So, as Christmas approaches, remember that while Santa Claus may be elusive to the naked eye, thanks to NORAD’s efforts, he is never truly out of sight. The commitment and dedication displayed by the NORAD team and its volunteers ensure that the magic of Santa Claus lives on, year after year.
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