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Santa Claus prepares for flight

With NORAD's Santa Tracker up and running Dec. 24, children of the Shuswap and throughout the Okanagan can watch Claus's journey.
88025salmonarmSASanta
Santa Claus is making a list and checking it twice.
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It was the night before Christmas.

And all through the house.

Children were watching Santa Claus' journey around the world.

With the North American Aerospace Defense's (NORAD) Santa tracker up and running Dec. 24, children of the Shuswap and throughout the Okanagan can tune in to the Santa tracker and watch as Claus travels around the world.

Capt. Brian Wooliams, with NORAD, said Claus will arrive around 9 p.m. in the Shuswap and Okanagan areas, but he won't visit unless children are asleep.

He recommends going to bed earlier to ensure Claus' visit.

"The earlier the better," he said.

There are a number of ways you can track Santa.

To track Claus, return to this page Dec. 24.

NORAD live video feed:

 

The NORAD Tracks Santa website, launched Dec. 1, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more, said a NORAD release.

NORAD’s 'Santa Cams' will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations around the globe.

Starting at approximately 1:01 a.m. children can visit the website to see the Santa Cams as Claus makes preparations for his flight, said Wooliams. At 5 a.m. children can call NORAD at 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or send an email for updates on Claus' whereabouts.

"We talked to the head elf, so that's roughly when he will take off," said Wooliams.

NORAD is able to track Claus by using radar and satellite, using heat sensors to detect Ruldoph's nose. There are also Santa cams all over the world as well as jet fighters, he said.

"We do have the jet fighters which will intersect him and escort him and wave at him."

"Any time on Dec. 24, Windows Phone users can ask Cortana for Santa’s location, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa," said the release.

Apps are also available through Google Play and Apple.

According to NORAD, Claus does not experience time the same way as people do, which is how he is able to deliver presents in "one" night.