photo courtesy NORAD tracks Santa Facebook page

By Jeff Henson

NORAD TRACKS SANTA

NORAD all set to track Santa Claus during his Christmas eve journey

Dec 24, 2022 | 3:32 PM

The military agency known for tracking incoming aerial threats to North America will once again be tracking a much less threatening visitor on Saturday.

NORAD’s Christmas tradition of keeping Santa Claus on the radar plans to have about 900 volunteers working on Christmas Eve to field phone calls from children who want to know Santa’s location and delivery schedule.

Captain Alexandra Hejduk of NORAD says their holiday tradition began in 1955.

“He goes so fast around the globe, but he is kind enough to slow down for us so that our fighter aircraft – our CF-18s n Canada and our F-15s, F-16s and F-22s in the United States are able to give him a wing tip when they see him. He gives us a wave back, and we just kind of escort him when we can across North American aerospace.”

Hejduk says thanks to Rudolph’s red nose having the same infrared signature as a missile, they will be able to begin tracking Santa’s trip as early as 4 am Alberta time on Saturday.

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She adds children can help make Santa’s trip smoother.

“We do not actually know Santa’s track, and our intelligence folks have been trying to crack it for many decades now and have not been successful. But our insider tip that we have been able to get is that children do need to be in bed by 9 o’clock. But not just in bed, they need to be asleep.”

“If there is a child that is not asleep, Santa is going to have to miss their house and circle back eventually. But you know that kind of throws off his entire course and his track. So if you really want be a big help for Santa Claus, make sure you are in bed by 9 o’clock.”

Hejduk also suggests kids leave out a glass of milk and their favourite cookies to help fuel Santa, as well as some carrots for his reindeer.

Families can track Santa’s progress beginning at 4 am Alberta time Saturday morning either online at www.noradsanta.org. There are also many games tha they can play on that website.

Families can also call their call centre for updates on Santa’s progress at 1-877-HI-NORAD.