Now that that pesky formality — some call it Thanksgiving — is over, the Christmas-crazed among you may breathe a collective sigh of relief.

You’re free! Free to string up as many cheery holiday lights as you can get your hands on, sans judgment from disapproving, or, let’s just say it, party-pooping neighbors.

You’re free to break out the whimsical snowmen and red-and-green garland.

Got some pine tree or sugar cookie-scented candles you’ve been impatiently holding onto? Go ahead, light ‘em up! (with caution of course — we all know the danger of house fires doesn’t dissipate with the snow).

The time of the naysayers is no more. Pop in those favorite holiday films — if you’re anything like the Betster, they’ll be a combination of traditional claymation musicals and the Harry Potter series.

And, if all of that isn’t enough to satiate your need for holiday cheer, check out these best bets:

BEST TRAVEL BET: Check out the next Thriving Thursday — Travel Tips for Staying Well during Cross-Country Travel with Dr. Carey Gear, Family Physician at SVT Health &Wellness. The holidays usually mean travel and travel can present some challenges to your health, especially if you plan to travel overseas. Dr. Gear has lived and practiced as a physician with his family in different countries and has taught courses on travel health. He will be talking about tips to help you stay well on airplanes and long car rides during domestic travel. He will also talk about measures for staying well while traveling in third world countries. Bring questions about staying at your best on your next adventure. The event takes place from 6-8 p.m. today.

BEST BET: South Peninsula Haven House is sponsoring a First Friday Christmas silent tree auction from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Haven House. This is a charitable event to benefit Haven House. Participants can view and bid on uniquely decorated trees perfect for an office, business or home. The trees were all donated and decorated by local businesses, organizations and individuals. There will also be dessert, coffee, beer and wine.

BEST GUT BUSTING BET: Still seeking some good grub in the wake of Thanksgiving? Head to the Dessert Auction and Spaghetti Dinner, with proceeds to benefit the Kevin Bell Arena, from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Elks Lodge. The dinner will include a silent and live dessert auction, door prizes, gingerbread house building and apple pie tasting. It costs $10 at the door, which includes the spaghetti dinner.

BEST BEGINNER BET: It’s never too late to hop on the bandwagon of one of the most popular wintertime activities around — Nordic skiing. If you want to try it but don’t have experience you can go to the Beginner Nordic Ski Clinic from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Lookout Mountain Trails. It costs $25.