Operation North Pole

[@bliponthe]

A lot of people in General Shoup’s position wouldn’t have been so receptive to phone calls from kids, doodles on their maps, or having an image that’s polar opposite to your work identity. But Shoup brought with him a good heart and playfulness to his line of work despite that work demanding a serious and cold-hearted mindset in him. That’s why I believe this is Christmas story out of many is particularly heartwarming and fun. I wish Shoup’s children and everyone else a very merry Christmas!

[@NickChinchill]

It's one thing that he didn't want to disappoint or upset any of the children who called in hoping to speak with Santa due to a typo in an ad. It's another that he saw the doodle of Santa's sleigh on the map, considered it, then called in to a radio station to fully commit to the bit and create an extra bit of Christmas magic for decades to come. Even my mum loves to hear about Santa's progress over Christmas Eve! What a wonderful bit of holiday cheer he had c: Merry Christmas to all!

[@herusolares5320]

so this is the guy that kept Big Boss up to date about Santa's position. Truly inspiring work

[@Yogasefski]

All because of a misprint and a man with a sense for humor.

[@yakobaa6728]

I HAVE MISSED THESE ANIMATED STORIES SO MUCH!!!!

[@martinmcneal2778]

There is a certain charm and kindness that this man had shown so many children on Christmas. Those kids probably would never forget the time they called Santa Claus or the children listening to the radio, hearing that Santa was flying overhead in their state.

[@xLoLRaven]

It's stories like this that give me hope in humanity amongst all the doom and gloom other channels and stations bombard us with. Thank you StoryCorps!

[@Bea_Esser]

I listen to this story every year, it brings me so much joy!

[@kristenkrueger5527]

I truly appreciate and respect this beautiful man🌟🎄🌟 🎉💛💛💛💛

[@janeysiegrist5061]

The creation story of the annual Santa tracking?

[@MisatoBestWoman]

I’m not a huge fan of Christmas stuff but damnit this is a favourite thing. I’m 27 but I’ll hopefully track Santa this year :3

[@BoMwarriorVlog]

Search "NORAD Santa" for a fun up-to-date tracking of the sleigh on Christmas Eve. 😁 I remember even 3D video images in the late 1990s and early 00s.

[@GuysIFinally]

Saw this on tiktok and had to see it here too. Love these stories

[@jacquelinecapel5282]

What a great story & a legacy to leave behind! A joyful mistake created this whole thing! 😊❤

[@fghnfbdsvgbnfdsvgbn]

thats so sweet

[@Seek1878]

I wonder if someone at SEARS got fired tho...

[@pyeitme508]

HO HO HO!

[@SomePoserStoleMyName]

😀