NORAD Santa Tracker: How to watch Father Christmas travelling around the world to deliver presents

The countdown to December 25 is on, and with modern tech at our fingertips, following Father Christmas on his global gift delivery mission is as easy as mince pie. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), usually busy tracking all aerial activity over Canada and the US, switches gears on Christmas Eve to embark on a special mission of keeping tabs on Santa, ensuring he distributes all gifts in time for Christmas morning.

Here's your guide to joining in the festive tracking fun:.

What's the scoop on the NORAD Santa tracker?

Family members young and old can monitor St. Nick's epic journey by hopping onto the NORAD Santa Tracker website, reports the Mirror.

When will Santa kick off his rounds?

Santa will take flight from his North Pole residence, shared with Mrs Claus, a troop of toy-building elves, and his devoted reindeer. NORAD shares: "Each year on December 24th, Santa and his reindeer launch from the North Pole very early in the morning for their famous trip around the world. The minute they launch, NORAD starts to track him! ".

Santa's journey typically begins at the Republic of Kiribati, a tropical archipelago in the South Pacific, according to NORAD. From there, he usually heads west, delivering gifts to children in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Asia, Africa, Western Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.

But how does NORAD track him?

The organisation uses a combination of radar systems and satellites to monitor Santa's progress on Christmas Eve. Their powerful North Warning System, consisting of 47 installations across Canada's North and Alaska, is put into action as soon as Santa departs from the North Pole.

Once airborne, special defence satellites are used to keep tabs on his journey. "The moment our radar tells us that Santa has lifted off, we begin to use the same satellites that we use in providing air warning of possible missile.