NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center 2007. NORAD Public Affairs, Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braym.
The NORAD Santa Tracker, a beloved holiday tradition, has its roots in the Cold War era. What began as a simple mistake turned into a powerful tool for boosting morale during a time of heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
The Accidental Beginning
According to legend, the story of the NORAD Santa Tracker began in December 1955, when a Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement in a Colorado Springs newspaper invited children to call Santa Claus on a special hotline. However, due to a misprint in the ad, the phone number provided connected callers not to Santa, but to the operations center of the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), the predecessor of NORAD.
A more accurate version appears to be that on November 30, 1955, a child attempting to call Santa Claus using a hotline number from a Sears advertisement accidentally dialed the wrong number and reached Colonel Harry Shoup at the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) operations center. Colonel Harry Shoup, the officer in charge that evening, answered the call. To his surprise, a child asked to speak to Santa Claus. Realizing what had happened, Shoup decided to play along, reporting that Santa was being monitored on radar as he traveled the globe.
The Cold War Context
During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a tense standoff, with both sides constantly on alert for potential threats. CONAD was responsible for monitoring North American airspace for any signs of enemy activity. Amidst this atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, the accidental Santa calls provided a welcome distraction and an opportunity to boost public morale.
Recognizing the potential of this unexpected situation, CONAD decided to make the Santa updates an official tradition. By 1958, when the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) replaced CONAD, the Santa Tracker had become an annual event. The program evolved over the decades, incorporating advancements in technology to provide more detailed and engaging updates on Santa’s journey.
A Morale-Boosting PSYOP
The NORAD Santa Tracker served as a form of psychological operations (PSYOP) during the Cold War. By engaging with the public in a lighthearted and festive manner, the program helped to alleviate some of the anxieties associated with the era. It provided a sense of normalcy and joy, reminding people that even in times of great tension, there was still room for imagination and celebration.
The tradition of tracking Santa also showcased the capabilities of NORAD’s radar and surveillance systems, subtly reinforcing the message that North American airspace was well-protected. This dual purpose of boosting morale and demonstrating military readiness made the Santa Tracker an effective tool during the Cold War.
Legacy and Evolution
Today, the NORAD Santa Tracker continues to delight millions of children and families around the world. The program has expanded to include a dedicated website, social media updates, and a call center staffed by volunteers who answer thousands of calls on Christmas Eve. While NORAD’s primary mission remains ensuring the safety of North American airspace, the annual Santa Tracker brings a playful touch to its operations.
What began as a simple act of kindness by Colonel Shoup has become a global phenomenon, proving that even in serious settings, there’s room for imagination and generosity. The NORAD Santa Tracker stands as a symbol of the enduring power of holiday traditions and the importance of boosting morale during challenging times.
Resource
Official NORAD Tracks Santa
noradsanta.org