Key Takeaways:
- The tradition of NORAD tracking Santa Claus began with a wrong number phone call to the Continental Air Command in 1955.
- The call was answered by Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, who played along with the idea of tracking Santa and started the lore of NORAD Tracks Santa.
- The program has grown over the years to include a website, call center, and social media presence, with over 1,000 volunteers handling 380,000 calls and 2.3 million website hits on Christmas Eve.
- NORAD Tracks Santa is a public relations bonanza for the US Air Force, promoting a positive image of the military and its connection to the community.
- The program brings together military and civilian personnel from the US and Canada to support a common cause and demonstrate their humanity and compassion.
Introduction to NORAD Tracks Santa
The story of NORAD tracking Santa Claus began on a snowy night in December 1955, at the height of the Cold War. A red hotline rang in the combat operations center at Continental Air Command, and Air Force Col. Harry Shoup answered the phone, expecting to hear news of a national emergency. Instead, he heard a tiny voice asking, "Are you Santa Claus?" This wrong number phone call would go on to become the start of a beloved tradition, with NORAD tracking Santa’s journey around the world on Christmas Eve.
The Origins of the Tradition
The original phone call was made by a child who had seen a newspaper ad from the local Sears department store, which had published the unlisted number as a way for children to call and talk to Santa. Col. Shoup, who was known for being stern and serious, was initially angry and thought it was a prank call. However, when he realized he was speaking with a child, he calmed down and asked to speak to the child’s mother. The mother explained how they had gotten the number, and Shoup, seeing an opportunity for public relations, decided to play along with the idea of tracking Santa.
The Evolution of the Legend
Over time, the story of the first phone call has been embellished and modified, with some versions claiming that Col. Shoup told the child he was Santa Claus and gave assurances that he was on schedule to deliver all gifts on time. However, the original article from 1955 reported that Shoup’s response was more in line with his personality, saying, "There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction." Despite the variations in the story, the core idea of NORAD tracking Santa has remained the same, and the program has grown in popularity over the years.
The Public Relations Value
Col. Shoup and Col. Arthur "Barney" Oldfield, the director of public affairs at the base, recognized the public relations value of the story and worked together to share it with the media. The story was picked up by news outlets across the country, and it helped to promote a positive image of the military. The program has continued to grow, with the addition of a website, call center, and social media presence. Today, NORAD Tracks Santa is a major project that brings together military and civilian personnel from the US and Canada to support a common cause and demonstrate their humanity and compassion.
The Impact of NORAD Tracks Santa
NORAD Tracks Santa has become a beloved tradition, with over 1,000 volunteers handling 380,000 calls and 2.3 million website hits on Christmas Eve. The program is available in multiple languages, and translators are available to handle calls from children around the world. The website features games, updates, and live radar of Santa’s sleigh, making it a fun and interactive experience for children. The program also helps to educate children about the mission of NORAD and the importance of defending North America.
Conclusion
The story of NORAD tracking Santa Claus is a heartwarming tale that has captured the imagination of children and adults alike. From its humble beginnings as a wrong number phone call to its current status as a major public relations program, NORAD Tracks Santa has become an integral part of the holiday season. The program promotes a positive image of the military, demonstrates their connection to the community, and brings people together in a shared experience. As Michael Keane, author of "Operation Santa Claus: How NORAD Saved Santa," said, "It’s a nice, wholesome story. Our military enjoys doing this because they look like heroes for helping Santa deliver presents around the world. And they really are heroes."
