In a striking blend of military precision and festive spirit, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has once again pivoted from monitoring global threats to tracking Santa Claus's worldwide journey. This Christmas Eve marks the 70th anniversary of the beloved tradition, where defence personnel trade analysing radar blips for fielding excited calls from children.
From Missile Defence to Santa's Sleigh
Typically tasked with safeguarding North American airspace from potential missile and aerospace threats, NORAD undertakes a monumental shift every December 24. This year, its dedicated staff, some still clad in army fatigues and festive Santa hats, are monitoring Santa's sleigh moving at approximately 650 miles per second. The operation requires significant manpower to provide a real-time view of present deliveries across the globe.
Photographs from inside the command centre show personnel surrounded by multicoloured Christmas lights, a stark contrast to their usual high-tech surveillance equipment. The images underscore the unique dual role of an organisation that can track both intercontinental ballistic missiles and a reindeer-powered sleigh.
Presidential Call-In: Cheer and Politics
The evening took a notable turn when US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump joined the volunteers to take calls from children. While spreading seasonal cheer, President Trump interjected political commentary into the conversations with young callers.
He assured children that NORAD had confirmed Santa was "good" and would not be infiltrating the United States. However, he swiftly segued into referencing his electoral success. "You know, Oklahoma was very good to me in the election, so I love Oklahoma," he told one child, pushing his election win into the festive exchange.
A 70-Year Tradition of Festive Goodwill
Despite the unusual political moment, the core mission of the NORAD Santa tracker remained unchanged: spreading joy and wonder. For seven decades, this initiative has transformed a military defence command into a hub of Christmas magic for families worldwide.
The event highlights the human side of the often-secretive defence establishment, showing staff dedicated to a cause that is purely about happiness and global connection. While this year's proceedings included an unexpected dose of electioneering, the enduring image is of service members taking a brief respite from their weighty duties to create a memorable Christmas for children.
