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Don't worry, the government shutdown won't cancel NORAD's Santa tracker

Posted at 12:45 PM, Dec 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-22 15:45:48-05

(KGTV) — Despite the partial government shutdown, millions across the country will still be able to keep tabs on Santa Claus and expect their gifts this Christmas.

As thousands of federal employees continue working without pay or are furloughed until the shutdown ends, agencies routinely depended upon this season cleared the air to reassure parents and kids.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command tweeted Saturday that giddy children awaiting their holiday deliveries need not fear, they are here. About 1,500 volunteers who donate their time and efforts to put on the program every year will continue the 63-year tradition of tracking the big man every Christmas Eve.

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"In the event of a government shutdown, NORAD will continue with its 63-year tradition of NORAD Tracks Santa on Dec. 24. Military personnel who conduct NORAD Tracks Santa are supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers who make the program possible each and every year," the agency tweeted.

NORAD's Santa Tracker can be viewed here.

And those waiting for gifts can count on the United States Postal Service as well. USPS also sounded calls for reassurance that postal workers would not be impacted by the shutdown.

USPS is funded by independent sources and not the federal government, so no impact is anticipated.

"USPS will not be interrupted during the gov't shutdown. All Post Offices will remain open for business. Because we are an independent entity that is funded through the sale of our products & services, and not by tax dollars, our services will not be impacted by a gov't shutdown," USPS tweeted.