Santa Tracker 2 

On Christmas Eve, I will once again be tracking Santa as he flies toward North Georgia. This is a tradition I started over 20 years ago here at WSB-TV. While some might think its childish and unbecoming of a true meteorologist, I have a different take.

As you know the news business is 24/7, 365 days a year. Many of us must work the holidays including Christmas Eve, so I decided to lighten the mood by tracking Santa. It all started out with spotting something on radar and each year I got a little more creative. In the early 90s I invented the "Early Warning Santa Tracking System" (or Eustus) where I calculated the arrival time of Santa and the sleigh. I asked co-workers to join me, on camera, so family and friends could see them "on tv". In the late 90s we took a cell phone call from Santa, then in mid 2000's we texted with Santa. This year, for the second time, we will "facetime" with the Jolly ole elf. One of the by products of all this Santa tracking is getting our young believers in bed early. I have heard from hundreds of parents who appreciate this gesture on a very hectic night.

My daughters thought it was cool that Dad knew where Santa was and begged to come to the station to help. I told them when they turned 13, they could help. So when my oldest daughter, Lauren, (now 23) turned 13 she came to the studio to see the magic. I could tell in her eyes that she was sorely disappointed in the reality of how I tracked Santa, but played it up to her little sister 5 years younger. Then when Leah turned 13 she also joined the cast of Santa tracker and both have made appearances since.

While I take my role as meteorologist very seriously and would do nothing to jeopardize my creditability with you the viewer, one night a year its okay to play the role of Santa tracker.

So on Christmas Eve, join me and my family at 6pm to track the whereabouts of St. Nick. I hope it brings some  joy and a smile to you and your family. Thank you for choosing WSB-TV, may God bless you this holiday season. Merry Christmas. Peace.