NORAD's Santa tracker was a Cold War morale boost. Now it attracts millions of kids

NORAD’s Santa tracker is a Christmas tradition that’s become nearly global in scope. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to ask for Santa’s location. Millions more follow online. NORAD typically scans the heavens for potential threats, such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon. But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” For those interested in tracking Santa, the phone number is 1-877-HI-NORAD. The agency has an app as well as a website, www.noradsanta.org.