Keith Coffman

DENVER (Reuters). Santa Claus is set to take off on Friday with his reindeer-powered sleigh to distribute Christmas presents to children around the world, despite all of the supply-chain problems, pandemics, and labor shortages that have plagued Earthbound commerce. According to military personnel who track his flights,

“Santa’s been doing this for centuries, he’s a professional,” said Canadian Army Captain Alexandra Hejduk, a spokesperson for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

NORAD is a U.S.-Canadian joint military command based in Colorado Springs. It is responsible for monitoring and issuing maritime and aerospace warnings throughout North America.

The Santa-tracking method used by NORAD was first introduced in 1955 when the Colorado Springs newspaper incorrectly listed the phone number of the local department store so that children could call Santa. This mistake was made for the Continental Air Defense Command. The calls were answered by an officer on duty who assured children that Santa (also known as Kris Kringle, or Saint Nicholas) knew their wishes and was on his route.

The annual tradition has continued for 66 years, becoming part of NORAD’s mission.

You can follow the Jolly Old Elf by logging onto noradsanta.org, through social media or calling a NORAD-sponsored Santa hotline for live operators.

Other U.S. government agencies were likewise gearing up ahead of Santa’s yuletide visit.

In a tweet (NYSE:), the U.S. Secret Service stated that Santa is also protected by the Secret Service. It was accompanied with a video showing agents in preparation for Santa protection duties.

“The Big Red Protective Detail is selected, assembled and stands ready to fulfill their seasonal mission,” the statement said. “The American public can rest assured that Mr. S. Claus, here from the North Pole, will travel safely and securely throughout his U.S. tour.”