It was the night before Christmas.
And all through the house.
Children were watching Santa Claus’ journey around the world.
With NORAD’s Santa tracker up and running Dec. 24, children of the Shuswap and throughout the Okanagan can tune in to the North American Aerospace Defense Command Santa tracker and watch as Claus travels around the world.
Capt. Brian Wooliams, with NORAD, grew up in Salmon Arm.
He 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.
The NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org, launched Dec. 1 and 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.
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 to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com 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, as well as 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 intercept him and escort him and wave at him,” said Wooliams.