Santa, Rudolph and his eight other reindeer will log millions of miles on Christmas Eve as they race across the world delivering toys and goodies to good little boys and girls.

According to military specialists at the North American Aerospace Defense Command - NORAD  - St. Nick left the North Pole in his record fast sleigh at 6 a.m. eastern time.

His departure time was actually two hours later this year than in previous years. The North Pole staff gave no reason for the delayed departure.

Children can track Santa's journey and see live feeds by accessing NORAD's website at www.noradsanta.org