A Fresh Take on Christmas Magic
As a new parent, I’ve discovered that Christmas takes on a whole new level of excitement. It’s like being reborn, reliving the wonder of the season through the eyes of my little one. My wife and I are total Christmas enthusiasts, and our December calendar is packed with festive activities.
The Anticipation Builds
But if I’m being honest, Christmas morning is what I’m most looking forward to. My 1.5-year-old daughter is still learning about the magic of Christmas, and I can barely contain my excitement thinking about her reaction when she sees what Santa has brought her. Just the other day, she surprised me by mentioning her friend Suzie’s concerns about the national debt and its impact on gift-giving. I played it cool, but inside, I was beaming with pride.
Tracking Santa’s Journey
Before Santa arrives at our doorstep, he has a long journey ahead of him. And thanks to NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), we can follow his every move. But have you ever wondered how this beloved tradition began?
A Typo That Changed Everything
It all started in 1955 with a simple mistake. A Sears store in Colorado Springs ran a “Dial Santa” ad, but accidentally printed the wrong phone number. Instead of reaching Sears’ Santa hotline, callers were connected to the Continental Air Defense Command Center. On Christmas Eve, Colonel Harry Shoup received a flood of calls from kids asking to speak with Santa Claus.
A Kindness That Sparked a Tradition
Instead of dismissing the calls, Colonel Shoup decided to play along. He told the kids that he wasn’t Santa, but he could track his location on radar. Throughout the night, Shoup and his team fielded calls, providing updates on Santa’s whereabouts. This act of kindness sparked a tradition that has continued to this day, with NORAD opening its lines for Santa tracking every year since.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Kudos to Colonel Shoup for his kindness and creativity. He could have easily disappointed those children, but instead, he brought joy and wonder to their Christmas Eve. As parents, we’re grateful for his efforts, and I’m sure our kids will be too.
Merry Christmas to All!
P.S. I’m firmly opposed to the Elf on the Shelf tradition. It’s just too creepy, and I’ve heard from fellow parents that managing that little guy is a real pain!
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