This phrase describes a particular sort of crossword puzzle clue associated to things monitored by the North American Aerospace Protection Command. As an example, a clue may be “NORAD tracks this” with the reply being “SANTA.” This depends on the well-known custom of NORAD’s annual monitoring of Santa Claus’s Christmas Eve journey.
Such clues leverage well-liked tradition and present occasions so as to add an additional layer of complexity and delight to crossword puzzles. They will introduce solvers to new info or reinforce present information about organizations like NORAD and their capabilities. The annual Santa monitoring custom, starting in 1955, has turn into a beloved vacation occasion, and its incorporation into crossword puzzles additional solidifies its place in well-liked tradition.