Mike VE9AA shares his annual holiday tradition with a fresh 2025 take on “'Twas the Nite B4 Ten Opened.” Mike sets the tone: antennas are up, amps are humming, and the shack is still—until St. Nick rolls in with a sled full of Yagis and a logbook ready for action. From playful nods to real callsigns and contest stations to riffs on propagation and pileups, his poem captures the fun and rhythm of the season for hams everywhere. We’re glad to share a piece that’s become a lighthearted tradition for many on the bands. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio.
Awesome poetry, Mike! I admit, Kevin's melodious studio-quality voice helps, but I wish I've heard your own voice instead. Nice touch of having some big gun-dudes' pictures and callsigns popping up, but hey, I wish you included ZF2AA too. Anyway, ten WAS open last night and I enjoyed a slice of my favorite band yesterday. Merry Christmas all! 9A5O Sado
Mike: This was damn-right clever. Enjoyed every second of it. Best 73 - Good Health and DX for the New Year - Rich, W2FKN
Mike... you are so gifted. A new option for the poet laureate for New Brunswick . Merry Christmas and "gud DX !" VE9XA
Whimsical and wonderful, Mike! Thank you. Truth be told as a wannabe Canadian, I was quite surprised that in your poem you only used one "eh", eh? I'm hoping Santa comes through for me. Working a VY0 on TEN has been on my wish list for how many years now. He's got to pass by Nunavut to get here, eh? Merry Christmas to all.
