NORAD* is a military organization that defends the airspace of the United States and North America. One of its main jobs is tracking aircraft that fly above the U.S.

Every December 24th, NORAD has another important mission. It tracks the journey of Santa Claus, his reindeer, and his sleigh on Christmas Eve.

This unusual tradition began in 1955, when a young child accidentally called NORAD and asked for Santa. The officials at the military base decided to help the child and track Santa’s flight path.

Since then, NORAD has reported on Santa’s movements every Christmas Eve. The journey begins as he and his reindeer take off from Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland.

Then, the magical sleigh flies through all the continents and finally ends its journey in North and South America. In total, Santa travels about 510 million kilometers to deliver Christmas presents.

During this time, NORAD uses social media to provide maps and updates on Santa’s travel route. The information is also available on the organization’s website and smartphone app

* NORAD 북미항공우주방위사령부