PHOENIX – NORAD’s mission is to monitor and defend North American airspace 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, on Christmas Eve, NORAD adds a special mission: tracking Santa Claus as he travels around the world.

“We have the same technology, our radar, our satellites, our fighter aircraft, that we use to track any threats that come to North America,” said Col. Paul Burger of NORAD. “We can use the same technology to track Santa Claus.”

Starting on the morning of Christmas Eve, NORAD, along with more than 1,000 volunteers, will help track Santa’s every move.

The program has come a long way since its accidental launch in 1955.

“A phone number was incorrectly listed as a tracking number for Santa Claus. Instead of going to the designated location, it actually went to NORAD headquarters,” Col. Burger explained. “A colonel who answered the phone quickly understood what was going on, but not wanting to disappoint the little child on the other end of the line, he just played along and let the young lady know where Santa Claus was. And 69 years later, the tradition continues.”

Parents and children can still call NORAD at 1-877-HI-NORAD to speak with operators about Santa’s exact location. However, modern technology also offers other ways to track Santa’s journey.

“We have a website right now: NORADSanta.org,” Col. Burger said. “The internet, like everything else, has changed things quite a bit. That site is live right now and people who want to go there, play some holiday games and learn a little more about the program are welcome.”

NORAD said it was an honor to share Santa’s journey with the world.

“This is simply a matter of the heart for NORAD. We encourage people to visit the website, call the phone number and experience some of the magic of the holidays,” said Col. Burger.

Santa Claus is expected to be over the Arizona skies between 9 p.m. and midnight tonight. NORAD reminds parents to make sure their children are in bed so Santa can deliver their toys while they sleep.