Washington sources reported that the US government shutdown may have temporarily dimmed Washington's National Christmas Tree but never fear, Santa Claus is still coming to town and the military is tracking his path. Meanwhile just as it has since the 1950s the Canadian and American defense agency NORAD is delivering live updates on the man in the red suit's international gift delivery route.
Reportedly NORAD eased the fears of good little boys and girls concerned the tracker might be down, after US lawmakers failed agree on a budget, triggering a partial shutdown of federal services, including the maintenance of the Christmas tree outside the White House. Meanwhile in addition to tracking St Nick, volunteers donning military garb and Santa hats also respond to tens of thousands of calls and emails from eager children hoping to probe for details including their Christmas wish lists.
Moreover the Defense Department is able to follow Santa's journey thanks to satellites that pick up heat from lead reindeer Rudolph's bright red nose, which "gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch". Further and for those kids skeptical of Santa's existence. Pentagon's handbook reads "Historical data and more than 60 years of NORAD tracking information lead us to believe Santa Claus is alive and well in the hearts of people throughout the world".
