A single phone call from a child to a top-secret military hotline in 1955 set in motion one of America's most beloved Christmas traditions.
According to Daily Wire, Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, who was stationed at the Continental Air Defense Command during the height of the Cold War, received an unexpected call on his classified red phone line after a Sears advertisement mistakenly printed his number as Santa's direct line.
The incident occurred when a child dialed what they believed was Santa's phone number, reaching instead the highly restricted military line known only to Shoup and a Pentagon four-star general.
Despite his initial annoyance, Shoup's response to the crying child transformed a simple misprint into an enduring holiday custom that continues today through NORAD.
Military Commander's Quick Thinking Creates Lasting Legacy
Shoup's children, Terri Van Keuren, Rick Shoup, and Pam Farrel, recall their father's transformation from irritation to inspiration when he realized the genuine nature of the call.
The stern military commander switched to a jovial tone, playing along with the child's belief. His compassionate response led to an increasing number of calls, prompting him to assign airmen to answer phones as Santa's helpers.
The tradition took an unexpected turn on Christmas Eve 1955 when airmen under Shoup's command drew a sleigh with eight reindeer on their tracking board. Rather than reprimanding them, Shoup embraced the creative addition and contacted local radio stations with updates about Santa's location.
According to Terri Van Keuren, Shoup's daughter, the colonel made the following announcement to radio stations:
This is the commander at the Combat Alert Center, and we have an unidentified flying object. Why, it looks like a sleigh.
Evolution Into Modern-Day NORAD Santa Tracking System
The playful incident evolved into NORAD's official Santa tracking program, which operates sophisticated call centers fielding inquiries from children worldwide.
The organization has fully integrated this whimsical responsibility into its otherwise serious military operations. Modern technology has expanded the program's reach significantly.
Today's tracking system employs multiple platforms to keep children informed of Santa's Christmas Eve journey. NORAD maintains an active social media presence, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where they provide real-time updates on Santa's global gift-giving progress.
The tradition holds special significance in military circles, demonstrating how a potential crisis transformed into a cherished custom. Shoup's handling of the situation reflects the human side of military leadership during the tense Cold War period.
From Cold War Crisis To Christmas Magic
Colonel Harry Shoup's quick-thinking response to a misdirected phone call in 1955 established what would become NORAD's Santa tracking program. The misprint in a Sears advertisement accidentally connecting children to a classified military line could have ended differently. Instead, it sparked a tradition that has brought joy to millions of children for decades.
NORAD continues this legacy today, operating sophisticated tracking systems and call centers that allow children worldwide to follow Santa's Christmas journey. The organization's commitment to maintaining this tradition demonstrates how a simple act of kindness can evolve into an enduring symbol of holiday magic, transforming a military command center into Santa's official tracking headquarters each December.
