By Amanda Raymond

amanda.raymond@salisburypost.com

Today, millions of people will be able to find out exactly where Santa is on his journey by tracking his trip online.

NORAD, North American Radar Aerospace Defense, is one of the most popular websites for tracking Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve. According to the Better Business Bureau, 30 million people followed Santa’s trip last Christmas Eve by using NORAD’s website.

The NORAD Tracks Santa program has been around for 60 years. According to their website, the program only uses minimal governmental funds. Most of the funding comes from contributions from corporate sponsors.

The website includes a Christmas countdown, as well as games, activities and a library with information about Santa, his sleigh and holiday traditions from around the world.

NORAD began streaming videos of Santa’s journey early this morning. Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are available in the Windows, Apple and Google Play stores. Those with a Windows Phone can ask Cortana of Santa’s whereabouts anytime today.

Lieutenant Commander Richlyn Ivey, chief of media relations at NORAD, said NORAD has gained so much popularity because of its use of advanced tracking systems and radar.

People can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask about Santa’s location at any point today. Children are even able to talk to one of NORAD’s trackers directly.

“Just having the ability to call in someplace and talk to someone about where Santa is is also a major highlight of the program,” Ivey said.

Google also has a Santa Tracker, which it started 11 years ago.

This year, the program focused on learning and highlighting nonprofits. Every day since Dec. 1, online visitors could participate in different featured activities, including learning basic coding skills, testing their geography knowledge and creating printable ornaments.

Anyone can follow Santa’s progress on his or her desktop, phone, tablet and Chromecast device.

Amongst the fun, the Better Business Bureau warns parents to keep an eye on the websites their children may be using to track Santa.

“Some of these websites are nice, but some are naughty, so it’s important for parents to monitor your children’s activities online,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy.

According to BBB, all websites directed at children should have a privacy policy that includes:

• The website’s information collection practices.
• The name of the company and the company’s complete contact information.
• Whether the company shares information with third parties, including advertisers.
• Whether the company publicly discloses information it gathers or retains the information for any future purpose.

BBB has the following advice for parents whose children want to follow Santa online on Christmas Eve.

• Do not allow your children to give out personal information online.
• Check websites for unwelcome content. Some Santa websites are for adults and may contain language or advertising that is not for children.

Track Santa today at noradsanta.org, google.com/santatracker or by searching for Santa directly on Google Maps.

Contact reporter Amanda Raymond at 704-797-4222.