• Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Disclosure
    • About Me
  • Blog
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Pinecones and Acorns

  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Disclosure
    • About Me
  • Our Home
  • Food
  • Fashion
  • Finds
  • Health & Wellness
  • Blog
  • Shop
    • Shop My House
    • Fashion Finds
    • Plaid Finds
    • Holiday Finds
    • Health & Wellness Finds
  • travel
  • Blog Friends
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

NORAD: Tracking Santa Claus

December 1, 2012 By Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns 10 Comments

Good morning! It is December 1, let the countdown begin! I am very excited for Christmas this year because I am hosting my family.

 It may get a little noisy with two dogs, three kids, and eight adults, but it is going to be so much fun. We have lots of baking, eating, shopping, playing, building a gingerbread house, trips to see the lights and of course time to read books and drink cocoa on the schedule. 

Image ME

This will actually be my first year watching my two nieces and nephew wake up and rush to the tree to see what Santa brought them.  In years past I have had to fly to see my husbands family at the crack of dawn on Christmas day so I missed it. 

Image BHG

They are already getting daily elf reports and being visited by Elf on the Shelf

Image from Elf on the Shelf

 and today they began tracking Santa and his progress to my house on the NORAD Santa Tracker.

Are you familiar with the Santa Tracker? It began in 1955 when a local department store misprinted a telephone number to speak to Santa and track his progress on Christmas Eve. Instead the children were calling CONAD, the predecessor to NORAD( the North American Aerospace Defense Command).

Luckily Colonel Harry Shoup was in command because he ordered that each child who called be told the exact coordinates of Santa, and to this day the tradition continues. Just in case you are wondering, this is paid for by corporate sponsors and all the phones are manned by volunteers. 

If you visit the web site with your children you can see the countdown to Santa’s visit, videos, games and much more. It really is a cute webpage and I think your little ones would like it. 

In addition to tracking Santa NORAD also supports the US troops all over the world and they provide links to all sorts of organizations that supports the troops and their families, you can see all of the links at Operation Goodwill. 

The holidays are an incredibly difficult time for the Armed Forces and their families, please think of them over the holidays and if you can send a card, letter or gift. I know many bloggers that have children, or family serving and I am sure that you do too. The information is provided in the links above. 

I hope you have a fabulous day!


Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Elf on the Shelf, NORAD, NORAD track Santa, Operation Goodwill, Santa Claus, Tracking Santa

You might also love

  • NORAD Santa Tracker
  • NORAD: Santa Tracker Starts Today!
  • The Feast of St. Nicholas
  • Maine Finds and The Fabulous Find
Advent Calenders the Christmas Countdown »
« Silent Sunday

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. helen tilston says

    December 1, 2012 at 7:33 am

    Hello Elizabeth

    It appears like you are going to have a wonderful Christmas with the little ones present.

    I love the Norad tracking system and shall have fun with it.

    Have a great weekend

    Helenxx

    Reply
  2. Sandy at You May Be Wandering says

    December 1, 2012 at 10:48 am

    How wonderful to have all your family with you for the holidays! It is so much fun with little ones! My three loved tracking Santa on NORAD..,your post brought back fond memories of those days. My 23 year old who is a career girl now still insists on the traditional reading of The Night Before Christmas, much to the amusement of her younger college boy brothers!

    I am looking forward to sharing the season with my new blogging friends! xoxoxo

    Reply
  3. Unknown says

    December 1, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    What a fabulous post. We'll be popping the NORAD app on my daughter's iPad. Your Christmas sounds like great fun, I envy you the dogs, I'm really missing mine, we'll be going to greyhound rescue in the New Year.
    The photos of the troops brought a tear to my eye, luckily my son is now safely home, but there are many families with their soldiers serving (in our case) Queen and country, and I'll certainly remember them in my prayers over the Christmas Holidays.
    Have a lovely weekend and I look forward to following your Christmas preparations.
    Jude x

    Reply
  4. Chic Delights says

    December 1, 2012 at 2:08 pm

    It will be fun to have your Christmas party in your home. I enjoyed reading that book "Elf on the Shelf." It's a fun read for the children. Have a good weekend.

    Reply
  5. Privet and Holly says

    December 1, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    I'm so excited for your
    big Christmas Day! Even
    though it is a lot of work
    to be the "host" during the
    holidays, it is oh so worth
    it, especially when there are
    little ones involved. This
    year we'll be visiting my
    parents, as will my brother
    and his family. While my
    kids are "big" {14 & 17}, his
    kids are "little" {5, 3, 2} so
    the place will be crazy! But
    crazy in that wonderful way
    that families are.

    We've loved NORAD over the
    years! And I've also hosted
    stocking stuffing for soldiers
    in the past, which is great fun.
    It's cool to imagine them opening
    their stockings so far away, and
    knowing we've made them smile.

    Hope your weekend is off to
    a great start, Elizabeth!

    xo Suzanne

    Reply
  6. Mary Palumbo Collings says

    December 1, 2012 at 4:39 pm

    Sounds like you have wonderful plans for a fun filled December… Have a good weekend.
    Ciao for now…

    Reply
  7. Castles Crowns and Cottages says

    December 1, 2012 at 8:46 pm

    Dearest heart…..I don't even see Christmas happening here…no snow, and I am buried in my basement working! That is a good thing, but WOW I am busy! GOOD TO SEE YOU! Anita

    Reply
  8. Bonnie says

    December 1, 2012 at 10:08 pm

    Elizabeth, It sounds as though you have a wonderful and eventful holiday month planned. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Have a wonderful weekend. Bonnie

    Reply
  9. Palomasea says

    December 2, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    A wonderful reminder to support the troops, dear friend…
    And you must be so excited to have your family with you this Christmas…I am excited for you!!
    NORAD is fun… :)))
    I wish you much joy in the preparations and anticipation, dear Elizabeth!
    Hugs,
    – Irina

    Reply
  10. Unknown says

    December 25, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Santa when will be oak Rigde Tenn see Grandson Jacky

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Elizabeth. I'm "mad for plaid", a good book, a cup of hot chocolate and my pups. Join me as I find the beauty in life and elevate the everyday.

Currently Pinning

  • when you are madest at the world you are maddest at yourself - Google Search
  • Bunny Basket Ceramic Snack Bowl
  • Bunny Basket Ceramic Snack Bowl
  • Poached Egg, Heirloom Tomato, and Burrata Toast with Basil Vinaigrette - The Secret Ingredient Is
  • Baxter the Rabbit

Search

ARCHIVES

CATEGORIES

Footer

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
“China tea, the scent of hyacinths, wood fires a “China tea, the scent of hyacinths, wood fires and bowls of violets—-that is my mental picture of and agreeable February afternoon.” ~Constance Spry  HappySaturday friends! It’s gray and has been raining but I don’t care because my lap is full of pups, a vase of tulips and I’ve got a book and a pot of hot chocolate on the table next to me. What are you up to this morning? #morningmotivation #morningvibes #morning #weekend #weekendvibes #weekendviews #homedecor #homesweethome #collectedhome #vintage #antiques #chinoiserie #pinecones
“Chocolate is health food for the soul”~Mirand “Chocolate is health food for the soul”~Miranda Gray. I could not agree more, it soothes the mind, body and soul in tough days and it helps to make the good days even brighter. On the blog today I am sharing Homemade Hot Cocoa mix, this easy recipe is from the fabulous Stella Parks of @bravetart , her blog was great, her cookbook is even better and you can now find her at @seriouseats . This hot cocoa is perfect for the remaining days of winter and we have a few, so come over and check out the recipe, then go and spend awhile looking at all of the beautiful creations of @bravetart #hotcocoa #hotchocolate #hotcocoamix #chocolate #winter #winterbeverage #winterdrink #chocolateislife #ilovechocolate #hotbeverage #food #foodporn #foodphotography #foodie #foodphotography #foodstyling
Grief is just love with no place to go.” Thank y Grief is just love with no place to go.” Thank you my friends for all of your kind messages, thoughts and prayers. Even though it feels as if we are all alone in our pain it is a balm to the broken heart to have you walking along side of us. #grief #greiving #thankyou #kindness #friendship #kindwords
This is how I feel tonight, as if I am seeing life This is how I feel tonight, as if I am seeing life through the blur of tears and sorrow. Sunday night my friend of 34 years lost her husband of 36 years, because of Covid he did not get to meet or hold his newborn grandson. Then just an hour ago we received a call that my husbands best friend died of a massive heart attack this morning. Sometimes life just knocks you to your knees and all you can do is pray for the  loved ones you’ve lost, cherish their memories and let your time with them sustain you until you meet again. Then you ask God for the strength to get up and move forward. #life #loss #givemestrength #givemestrengthlord #pray
Although I see signs of spring, a daffodil popping Although I see signs of spring, a daffodil popping up from the ground, bright and colorful flowers in the garden center the weather and the calendar tell me otherwise. So I am hunkering down and taking solace inside enjoying the details of a collected home and life. This tapestry is a piece that we purchased over 25 years ago in Paris, it hang in the dining room and makes me smile every time I see it because it reminds me of such a happy and beautiful place. What do you collect? What brings you joy in your home? #collectedhome #collectedlook #homedecor #myhome #homesweethome #interiordesign #frenchprovincial #france #frenchdecor #tapestry #instahome #instahomedecor #acolectedlife #collection
Good afternoon friends, it’s a frigid day here. Good afternoon friends, it’s a frigid day here. How is it in your “neck of the woods?” We took a long road-trip a few weeks ago to the beautiful @colonialwmsburg . I love this place, there is so much to see and do and even wearing masks and social distancing you can still enjoy the history and the beauty of this living museum. Today I am home doing the weekend chores, and of course doing a little baking. I hope that you have a fabulous weekend. #colonialwilliamsburg #williamsburg #colonialhouse #livinghistory #livinghistorymuseum #museum #winterfun #roadtrip #wanderlust #weekend #weekendvibes #weekendmood
Soups on! Chicken and wild rice soup with kale! It Soups on! Chicken and wild rice soup with kale! It’s what’s for dinner and it’s in the blog. #soup #soupseason #soupweather #souprecipe #soupforthesoul #chicken #chickensoup #homemade #healthylifestyle #healty #healthyfood #dinner #lunch #kale
“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” ~ “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” ~Percy Bysshe Shelly  my answer to that is I hope not! This has been a strange winter and I am sure that for the 4 million people without power in19 states they are hoping spring is sooner rather than later. I hope that you are all well and keeping safe. I’m praying for all of you without power and heat and hope it is restored soon. #pinkaesthetic #art #acrylicpainting #painting #details #artistsoninstagram #artwork #artworld #color #artoftheday #quote #quoteoftheday #quotestoliveby #artofinstagram
Happy Monday friends! Did you have a nice weekend Happy Monday friends! Did you have a nice weekend and a Valentine’s Day? I hope that it was everything you hope and more. Sharing my day and other Monday musings on the blog. Come over and tell me about your day. I’m also sharing a few sale items that I found for Presidents’ Day. #hearts #heartcookies #cookies #cupofcookies ##pink #pinkaesthetic #pinkandred #sweet #sweetreats #sprinkles #tjmaxx #monday #mondaymood
Tell me about your Valentine’s Day treats? Did y Tell me about your Valentine’s Day treats? Did you bake something sweet or purchase something from a favorite place? Are you a cookie, cake, pie fan? Did you get a box of chocolates? I only like the caramels and the nougat, and I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve poked a few holes in the bottom of the chocolates I’ve the years to find my favorites. I hope you are having a wonderful day. #cake #cakesofinstagram #valentines #sweettooth #sweettreats #chocolate #chocolatecake #fudge #fudgefilledcake #ilovecake #valentinesday2021 #instafood #foodporn #foodie #food #foodphotography #balance  #itsallaboutbalance
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Pinecones and Acorns · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy
Disclosure: We utilize affiliate widgets including Amazon, Rewardstyle and Shopstyle and may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.