Christmas Eve is a time of magic and wonder, especially for children eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. Traditionally, the mystery of Santa’s journey around the globe has been a closely guarded secret, shared only in stories and songs. However, thanks to modern technology, the veil has been lifted a little, allowing us all to join in the fun of tracking Santa’s progress as he delivers gifts to children worldwide. Two of the most popular methods are NORAD’s Santa Tracker and Google’s Santa Tracker. Let’s explore these fascinating tools and discover other ways to keep tabs on Santa this holiday season.
NORAD’s Santa Tracker: A Tradition of Unexpected Beginnings
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is typically associated with serious military operations. However, every Christmas Eve, NORAD takes on a much lighter task: tracking Santa Claus. This tradition started in 1955 due to a happy accident. A Sears advertisement meant to let children call Santa accidentally printed the phone number for NORAD’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD). The staff on duty played along, and an annual tradition was born.
Today, NORAD’s Santa Tracker is a sophisticated operation. Using radar, satellites, and even jet fighters, NORAD keeps a close eye on Santa’s sleigh as it zips across the globe. This high-tech approach is paired with fun and educational content on their website, which goes live each December.
The NORAD Tracks Santa app is available for iOS and Android, offering a mobile-friendly experience. It includes an interactive globe, games, and videos, all building up to the live tracking event on Christmas Eve.
Google Santa Tracker: A Digital Wonderland
Google’s Santa Tracker is a more recent addition to the Santa tracking scene but has quickly become a favorite. Launched in 2004, it offers a playful and engaging experience. The website, which goes live in early December, is filled with interactive games, educational activities, and coding challenges, making it a hit with kids and parents alike.
On Christmas Eve, Google’s tracker comes to life, offering real-time updates on Santa’s whereabouts. The interface is user-friendly, with a Google Maps-style presentation showing Santa’s current location, the next stop, and the total number of gifts delivered.
Other Ways to Track Santa
While NORAD and Google are the giants in the Santa tracking world, several other options exist for those looking for different experiences:
- Social Media Updates: Many local news stations and community groups offer live updates on Santa’s progress through their social media channels. These can be especially fun for getting a local perspective on Santa’s journey.
- Santa Tracking Websites and Apps: Various websites and apps offer their version of Santa tracking. These can range from simple maps to more interactive experiences with games and stories. Santa Update is a fun “news site” that provides updates on Santa starting days before Christmas. Additionally, two apps to take note of are Santa Tracker – Track Santa and Where is Santa – Lite. Both are very basic apps and good for kids lugging around their parent’s phone.
- Smart Home Devices: If you have a smart home device like Amazon Echo or Google Home, you can ask it where Santa is. These devices often have special responses prepared for Christmas Eve, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- Community Events: Some communities hold special events on Christmas Eve, where updates on Santa’s location are given, often with a fun, festive gathering.
A Word on Safety and Privacy
While tracking Santa is a fun and harmless activity, it’s essential to be mindful of online safety and privacy. Make sure to use reputable apps and websites, and be aware of what information, if any, is being collected.
The Magic of Technology Meets the Spirit of Christmas
The evolution of Santa tracking reflects how technology can enhance our holiday traditions, bringing families together in new and exciting ways. Whether through NORAD’s military-grade tracking system or Google’s playful digital world, these tools add an extra layer of magic to the already enchanting Christmas Eve. They remind us that at the heart of this holiday is a sense of wonder and joy that transcends all ages.
As we track Santa’s journey across the globe, we’re not just following a sleigh and reindeer; we’re part of a global community united in celebration and goodwill. So, this Christmas Eve, whether you’re a child eagerly awaiting Santa’s gifts or an adult who cherishes the joy of the season, take a moment to track Santa’s journey and share in the magic of this timeless tradition.
