.png){kind=logo}
In December 1955, amid the Cold War, a Sears store in Colorado Springs mistakenly published a newspaper ad with an incorrect phone number for children to call Santa.
To the surprise of the Continental Air Defense Command headquarters, the number rang their top-secret emergency line, strictly reserved for the US President and 4-star Generals in case of an international emergency.
When a 5-year-old asked, "Hello, is this Santa?" on the other end, Colonel Harry Shoup, initially suspecting a prank, confronted the child, who tearfully revealed their innocence.
In a heartwarming twist, Shoup embraced the role of Santa Claus, unintentionally initiating the NORAD Tracks Santa program.
This tradition, born nearly 70 years ago, continues to bring joy to children during the holiday season.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and the best of the holiday season from Match and Fable!