(COLORADO SPRINGS) - While children around the world are drifting off to sleep on Christmas Eve, one organization is wide awake -- keeping tabs on the most important flight of the year.
For nearly 70 years, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, better known as NORAD, has continued its beloved Christmas tradition of tracking Santa Claus as he circles the globe delivering presents.
From a hangar decked out in holiday cheer at Peterson Space Force Base, more than 1,000 volunteers will answer calls to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline on Christmas Eve, fielding questions from excited kids -- and plenty of devoted adults -- wondering if Santa will find their house.
Callers can dial 1-877-HI-NORAD, or for the first time this year, track Santa directly through NORAD's website -- now available in nine languages, making it easier for Santa watchers around the world to join the fun.
Using the same powerful radar systems, satellites, and fighter jets that monitor North American airspace year-round, NORAD begins tracking Santa as he lifts off near the International Date Line. Officials say Rudolph's famous red nose gives off a heat signature -- one that's impossible for NORAD's satellites to miss.
NORAD spokesperson Colonel Kelly Frushour says Santa travels "faster than starlight," which can occasionally lead to some anxious phone calls -- including one child worried Santa might get stuck at the International Space Station. She says Santa was quickly confirmed to be back on course.
The tradition began by accident in 1955, when a child mistakenly called a Cold War-era defense hotline asking for Santa. Rather than hang up, the officer on duty played along -- and a holiday legend was born.
Today, NORAD receives hundreds of thousands of calls each Christmas Eve, all centered on one joyful mission: reassuring the world that Santa is on his way.
So if you hear sleigh bells in the sky, don't worry -- NORAD's already tracking him.