It’s as though Mother Nature does not want us to get into the Christmas spirit too early. No sooner had the Betster started doing a happy dance at the sight of snow on the ground in Homer than it up and disappeared, making it quite difficult to envision a white Christmas or conjure images of chestnuts roasting or sleigh bells ringing.

Perhaps it’s for the best. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, after all. And the Betster knows how testy some people lacking the proper holiday cheer bone in their body can get about early Yuletide celebration.

And, this is Homer. Is it really winter if it doesn’t come and go about five times before really sticking? If there’s one thing this coastal community is known for outside of its halibut fishing and picturesque views, it’s the rain.

But don’t let the wet weather and lack of snow get you down! If anything, it means we get a little extra time to board up and prepare our properties for winter.

While you’re at it, take a gander at these Best Bets:

BEST LIBRARY BET: Kachemak Bay Campus Public Square presents a presentation by Dahr Jamail in Pioneer Hall. Jamail is the award winning author of “The End of Ice” and will discuss his journey from Alaska mountaineer to free-lance war journalist to climate reporter from 7-8 p.m. tonight. This event takes place in Pioneer Hall, is the first of KBC’s new Public Square series, and is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Parking off Heath Street.

The public is invited to hear the presentation, share thoughts and enjoy light refreshments. For more information, call 235-7743.

BEST BAG BET: Be A Maker! will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. tonight at the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. Want to help create more reusable bags for the people of Homer to use? The center needs people to help with cutting, sewing and stamping to make Boomerang Bags. This is led by Kenai Peninsula College Semester by the Bay students. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome.

BEST ACTIVE BET: Hockey season is in full swing, and that means it’s time to take advantage of the ice at the Kevin Bell Arena. Head over for Afternoon Skating from 3-4:15 p.m. on Friday. Admission is $5 and there’s no charge for skate rentals.

BEST BAZAAR BET: Is it too early to start that holiday shopping for the special people in your life? The Betster doesn’t think so. Let the Christmas music and cheer reign free! Head to the Faith Lutheran Church Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the church. There will be arts and crafts, fresh Lefse, more than 30 vendors, a bake sale and lunch.

BEST BETTER HEALTH BET: Did you know that uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable deaths from trauma? South Peninsula Hospital wants to do something about that, and is offering Stop the Bleed Training for the community from 10-11 a.m. this Saturday at the South Peninsula Hospital Training Center. During these trainings, individuals learn skills for stopping bleeding both by using only their hands and with a full trauma first aid kit available. Registration is required by calling 235-0285.

The training is free, and Stop the Bleed kits will be available for purchase. Attendees will not only learn the techniques, but also be offered the opportunity to become a certified trainer from Stop the Bleed, a program of the American College of Surgeons in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security.

BEST MUSIC BET: Darkening days getting you down? Lift your spirits and your dancing feet on Saturday at the next Salmonfest Music Series:Cousin Curtiss and Harrison B. at Alice’s Champagne Palace. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door. The band’s sound is described as “high-energy rootstomp rock.” They opened the Ocean Stage on the final day of Salmonfest earlier this year.