Wed Dec 25 14:39:13 UTC 2024: ## NORAD Reassures: No Drone Threat to Santa’s Christmas Eve Flight

**COLORADO SPRINGS, CO** – Despite recent mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey, Santa Claus’s Christmas Eve journey is proceeding without incident, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). General Gregory Guillot, NORAD commander, dismissed concerns about drone interference with Santa’s flight path, stating that there is “no difficulty at all” anticipated.

NORAD’s annual Santa tracking operation, a tradition dating back to 1955, is currently monitoring Santa’s progress as he makes his way across the globe. As of Christmas morning, Santa had already visited several countries including Japan, North Korea, Indonesia, Russia, and Iran, and was heading north across Brazil towards Guyana. The tracking website, noradsanta.org, boasts interactive features including a 3D map showing Santa’s real-time location and a present delivery counter. Last year, the site logged over 20.6 million visits and more than 400,000 calls.

The tradition began accidentally when a misprinted newspaper advertisement directed children to NORAD’s hotline instead of Santa’s. Colonel Harry Shoup, then director of operations, improvised by providing updates on Santa’s location. This unexpected event evolved into the beloved yearly tradition.

This year, NORAD utilized its infrared-capable satellites to track Santa, leveraging what Major-General William Radiff jokingly referred to as Rudolph’s nose’s distinct infrared signature. Even President Joe Biden joined the fun, taking calls from children inquiring about Santa’s whereabouts.

The successful tracking operation continues NORAD’s commitment to both festive cheer and its primary mission of aerospace and maritime control and warning, which includes monitoring for missile launches from North Korea. The agency’s assurance of Santa’s safe passage has brought holiday cheer to millions worldwide.

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