Every year on Christmas Eve, Santa and his trusted reindeer embark on their journey to deliver presents to children all around the world. This year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is tracking Santa's journey in real-time, allowing people to follow along on their live blog. The latest update shows that Santa has delivered over 5.7 billion presents so far and is now heading to the United States where he will make a stop in Milton, Delaware before flying over the Caribbean.
Background
Every Christmas Eve, children around the world eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus, a jolly and benevolent figure who delivers presents to every good child on Christmas morning. The legend of Santa Claus has its roots in the 4th century Saint Nicholas, a bishop known for his kindness and generosity. Over the centuries, the story of Santa Claus has evolved, incorporating elements from various cultures and traditions.
Today, Santa Claus is depicted as a plump, white-bearded man dressed in a red suit. He is said to live at the North Pole with his wife, Mrs. Claus, and a team of hardworking elves who help him make toys. On Christmas Eve, Santa and his reindeer embark on a global journey to deliver gifts to children who have been good throughout the year.
NORAD's Tracking
Since 1955, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa's journey on Christmas Eve. The tradition began when a child accidentally dialed the wrong number and reached a NORAD operations center. The officer who answered the call, Colonel Harry Shoup, jokingly told the child that he was Santa Claus and that he was tracking his progress.
Over the years, NORAD has developed sophisticated technology to track Santa's movements. The organization uses satellites, radar, and other sensors to follow Santa's sleigh as it travels around the world. NORAD's live blog provides real-time updates on Santa's location and the number of presents he has delivered.
FAQs
1. How does Santa deliver presents to every child in the world in one night?
Santa uses a combination of magic and advanced technology to deliver presents to children all over the world in a single night. He is said to ride in a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer that can fly at incredible speeds. Additionally, Santa has a team of elves who help him with gift production and distribution.
2. What happens to the reindeer during the rest of the year?
After Christmas Eve, Santa's reindeer return to the North Pole to rest and prepare for the next year. They spend their time grazing and playing in the snow and ice.
3. What if a child has been naughty?
According to tradition, Santa delivers lumps of coal to children who have been naughty. However, in recent years, Santa has become more lenient and instead brings presents to even naughty children, hoping to encourage them to be better in the future.
4. How can I track Santa's journey?
You can track Santa's journey on Christmas Eve using NORAD's live blog at https://www.noradsanta.org/. The blog provides real-time updates on Santa's location, the number of presents he has delivered, and other interesting information.
5. Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25th?
The exact reason why Christmas is celebrated on December 25th is unclear. However, it is believed that the date was chosen to coincide with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Many cultures have celebrated the winter solstice with festivals and celebrations, and it is likely that Christmas was originally a pagan festival that was later adopted by Christianity.
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