Santa Claus cleared for travel in Canadian airspace

Santa’s sleigh has been cleared for travel in Canadian airspace, the federal government announced on Monday just ahead of the busy holiday season.

In a press release Monday, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita Anand said she engaged with her elves and reviewed several key documents including Santa’s flight plan.

Anand also met with Santa for the first time since she became the minister of transport.

“Transport Canada works to ensure safe and smooth travel across the country during this festive period and wishes all Canadians a safe and happy holiday season,” the release said.

Children can track Santa and his reindeer on the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s website on Dec. 24, featuring a holiday countdown, games, music and more. This marks the 69th year that Norad has tracked Santa and his crew.

Each year, at least 100,000 kids call Norad to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages, from English to Japanese.

The tradition dates to the Cold War after a child accidentally called the Continental Air Defense Command, now Norad, and recited his Christmas wish list, sparking the annual tradition.

Curious trackers can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. ET.

With files from The Associated Press