What Is the Santa Tracker Origin
The Santa Tracker origin traces back to 1955, when a misprinted Sears advertisement directed children to call a Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) phone number to speak with Santa. On Christmas Eve, CONAD operators began tracking Santa’s flight using radar and sharing updates with callers.
How CONAD Became the First Santa Tracker
CONAD used its radar systems and readiness operations to follow Santa’s route, announcing his position to the press and families. The effort was a public relations success and established a tradition of official Santa tracking during the holiday season.
How the Tradition Evolved Into Today’s Santa Tracker
When CONAD became NORAD in 1958, the organization continued the annual tracking mission. Today, the NORAD Santa Tracker uses satellites, radar, and web technology to follow Santa worldwide, maintaining the original spirit of the 1955 tracking effort.
