As the holiday season approaches, there's a buzz of excitement in the air, especially with Santa Claus getting ready to embark on his annual journey around the world. While concerns about drone sightings in the Northeast might be stirring some anxiety, one sighting that will surely bring joy is Santa's flight!

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is once again ready to track Santa and his reindeer. Starting at 6 a.m. ET on Christmas Eve, the Santa tracking system activates, allowing curious minds of all ages to follow the iconic sleigh as it makes its way across the globe.

You can join in on the fun by visiting NORAD's dedicated website to catch updates on Santa's journey or even by calling 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to participate in this enduring holiday tradition. But that's not all! NORAD has made it even easier to track Santa through their Santa Tracking app, social media platforms, and various smart technologies including Amazon Alexa, OnStar, and SiriusXM.

Did you know this year marks an impressive 69 years since NORAD first started tracking Santa's sleigh? It all began in 1955 when a misprinted telephone number from a newspaper advertisement misled a child seeking to call Santa. Instead of reaching the North Pole, the child ended up calling the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, who answered the child's call, cleverly transformed the mishap into a joyful moment, reassuring the child that he was indeed Santa Claus. This unexpected twist led to more children calling, prompting Colonel Shoup to assign an officer to handle these inquiries, and thus, an enchanting tradition was born. The festivities continued when NORAD was established in 1958, ensuring Santa's journey was forever tracked with precision and joy.

Each year, millions of website visitors flock to the NORAD Santa Tracker, and volunteers are known to answer over 130,000 calls from eager children and their families. This beloved tradition not only spreads holiday cheer but also serves as a reminder of the magic of Christmas that transcends age, giving everyone a chance to believe in the wonder of Santa Claus.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to track Santa’s sleigh this Christmas Eve—it's an experience you and your family won’t want to miss!