Santa Claus has been on children’s radar for centuries, but for more than 60 years it has also been part of NORAD. The North American Aerospace Defense Command has not undertaken to track the jolly old man as he travels around the world delivering presents to children, due to a threat to national security or of a threat to St. Nick himself, it all happened by accident.

NORAD isn’t the only one helping kids know when to go to bed lest Santa jump over their house. In 2004, Google has started tracking Kris Kringle’s magical overnight trip around the world. Here’s how you too can follow Santa…

A Brief History of Tracking Santa

Like the US Department of Defense tell the storyIt all began in 1955 when a young boy called the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), the predecessor of NORAD, to try to contact Santa. A Sear newspaper ad inviting children to call Santa had inadvertently published the CONAD number. Typos will happen, but don’t let anyone tell you that top military brass can’t have a big heart.

On the other end of the line was Colonel Harry Shoup, who answered the child’s questions about Santa asking the staff to check old St. Nick’s radar. The typical night shift became atypical as more and more calls came in from other children with similar questions and thus a tradition was born.

However, over the years the technology has become a little more sophisticated. Instead of just taking calls and issuing press releases about Santa’s whereabouts, children and the young at heart can follow Santa and his reindeer as they cover distances at speeds that even the most high-tech military aircraft could not achieve.

How to Track Santa with NORAD Santa Tracker

With smartphones, anyone in the world can track Santa’s location using the NORAD Santa Tracker. It can be downloaded from Google Play Store Or AppleStore. Or you can follow Santa online at NORAD webpage on your computer in eight different languages ​​with pretty flashy graphics as well as information on the places visited by Santa Claus.

At the same time, the number of gifts distributed by Kris Kringle is constantly updated.

But if you want to know about those who man the speed camera banks 24 hours a day, service personnel man the lines and answer calls. You can call +1 (877) HI-NORAD.

How to Track Santa with Google Santa Tracker

The search engine giant knows just about everything and also keeps an eye on Santa. Like the NORAD Santa Tracker, users will see where Santa is on his journey around the world and how many presents have been placed under the trees. To tell children when to go to bed, The app lets you know approximately how long it will take before the jolly old man falls down the chimney.

Besides the tracker, Google offers a number of other features to users, including games. The application can be used online with your computer at Google Santa Tracker webpage or downloaded to your smartphone via the Google Play Store.

But remember, children need to be “warm and cozy in bed” before Santa arrives.

“Merry Christmas everyone, and good night everyone!”