NORAD phones light up thanks to Santa trackers

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Dec 26, 2004 | by THE GAZETTE

Although the tally isn't final, it appears Santa Claus got more phone calls but fewer e-mails this year.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command received at least 60,000 phone calls in 24 hours -- 10,000 more than last year.

NORAD, a U.S.-Canadian military command designed to warn of attacks on North America, has tracked Santa for 50 years.

The effort to give children around the world updates on Santa's progress is run by about 360 volunteers.

As of 1 a.m. Saturday, NORAD reported that it had received more than 50,000 e-mail messages. Last year, NORAD received 60,000 e- mails.

"With our team of Santa helpers, we were able to answer most of the e-mails," a NORAD statement said. "Most of the e-mail wished us success in our ongoing campaign and deployments against terrorists."