Santa Claus will make his long journey around the world on Wednesday, December 24. For 70 years, a large military organization has been watching to ensure he’s safe.

It all started in 1955, with a phone number misprint in a retail store ad. A child reached the Continental Air Defence Command in error, and the rest is history.

The North American Aerospace Defence Command, or NORAD, now watches over Ole Saint Nick on Christmas Eve.

Hundreds of volunteers also take calls from children as Santa is making his journey, to drop toys to all of the good girls and boys.

NORAD’s Track Santa website is up and running.