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Since 2006, Meshbox Designs—the creator behind Toon Santa for Poser—has been adding a touch of holiday magic by helping NORAD track Santa’s sleigh as it soars across the night sky.
The NORAD Santa Tracker itself has been a tradition since 1955, following Santa’s journey around the globe as he delivers gifts to children everywhere. On Christmas Eve, the program shares his location during his North American stops, delighting families who tune in.
To make the experience even more festive, NORAD partnered with Meshbox Designs in 2006 to bring “Toon Santa” to life. This cheerful character appears in the annual animations broadcast through news outlets and on NORAD’s Santa Tracker website every December 24.
Meshbox first introduced Toon Santa back in 2002 with its debut for Poser. As Lynn Fredericks of Meshbox Designs recalls: “Like many Americans my age, I grew up watching the Rankin-Bass holiday specials at Christmas time. There really wasn't any good Santa at the time for Poser. The early 2000s were a time of great change in our market. ... I wanted a Santa that had a family friendly appeal in presentation and style.”
Since then, Meshbox has released 19 different versions of Toon Santa with a 20th to be released this year! Yet it’s the original, classic design that continues to capture hearts—guiding Santa’s journey for kids (and kids at heart) every Christmas Eve as he circles the globe.
