The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, has been tracking Santa Claus' trip around the world for more than 60 years, and two Waco residents will be part of that tradition in 2017.
"There will be a big screen where we're tracking Santa. We get to watch his progress and then kids from all over the world can call in to find out where Santa is so we just keep them updated," said Victoria Freeman, one of NORAD's Santa Tracker volunteers.
Victoria's mom once worked with the company that developed the graphics for the Santa tracker.
This year, however, it's a family affair.
Seven volunteers from their family will be joining more than a thousand others -- all in an effort to keep an eye on Santa's sleigh and Rudolph's bright red nose in the sky.
"Even as adults, Santa's magical," Freeman said. "It's about keeping that magic alive."
Braden Freeman, Victoria's husband, said he looks forward to hearing all the excitement over the phone in regards to Santa's location.
Braden, Victoria and the other volunteers will remind children Santa only comes when they are asleep.
"Something that's fun definitely for younger kids," Braden Freeman said. "I know when I was a young kid, my parents did a good job on keeping the spirit of Christmas not only religious but also with Santa."
This year marks the couple's first time as Santa trackers.
Santa's flight by major landmarks all around the world will be seen in the animations online, including the London Eye, Taj Mahal and Freedom Tower. He'll be carrying 60,000 tons of gifts at takeoff, according to NORAD.
NORAD has tracked Santa since 1955 -- all by accident.
A young child was followed a Sears advertisement to call Santa. The child accidentally called the Air Defense Command Operations Center in Colorado. Colonel Harry Shoup answered the phone and told the child Santa's whereabouts. Shoup, along with his team, reported Santa's location whenever a child called during the night.
And thus, the tradition hasn't stopped.
Now, 62 years later, the Freeman's will be a part of history.
"It is cool to be part of something that's been going on for 50-plus years and, I don't know, talk to little kids all day," said Victoria.
More information about NORAD and tracking Santa can be found here.