The US government shutdown may have temporarily dimmed Washington’s National Christmas Tree but never fear, Santa Claus still came to town — with the military tracking his path across the globe.
Just as it has since the 1950s the Canadian and American defense agency NORAD delivered live updates on the man in the red suit’s international gift delivery route.
NORAD eased the fears of good little boys and girls concerned the tracker might be down, after US lawmakers failed agree on a budget, triggering a partial shutdown of federal services, including the maintenance of the Christmas tree outside the White House.
“In the event of a government shutdown, NORAD will continue with its 63-year tradition of NORAD Tracks Santa on Dec. 24,” the agency tweeted of the tracker, the Pentagon’s largest public outreach program.
“Military personnel who conduct NORAD Tracks Santa are supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers who make the program possible each and every year.”
The 3-D, interactive website at www.noradsanta.org showed Santa on his delivery route, allowing users to click and learn more about the various cities along the way.
Shortly before 1100 GMT, Father Christmas’s reindeer-powered sleigh was heading home to the North Pole, having delivered more than 7.2 billion gifts.
In addition to tracking St Nick, volunteers donning military garb and Santa hats also respond to tens of thousands of calls and emails from eager children hoping to probe for details including their Christmas wish lists.
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