If you have hopes of a white Christmas, Betsteroids, you might think of a getaway to one of Alaska’s snowier spots. Thompson Pass could work — you know, the place where the national news went gaga because it set a record when 10 inches of snow fell in an hour. That’s more snow than has fallen all winter in Homer.

Not that we could tell. This month we’ve had nine days of rain and the high temperature every day has been above freezing. Down in town every spot of snow has melted away, and up in the hills most of it has turned to hard slabs of ice. On Sunday, Homer and Atlanta, Georgia had about the same temperatures. About. Atlanta got colder that day.

Add increasing darkness, and our wonderful little town by the bay has turned into Gloomsville, USA. If not for all the holiday cheer, the lights and the music, we might be down in the grumps. OK, some of you are, and bless you. Like old age, Alaska isn’t for sissies, and some of us are in the big leagues.

There’s some hope, citizens. The weather forecast calls for sunshine on Monday and snow on the Solstice. Isn’t that sort of the point of the season and why a few of our world’s major religions have big celebrations now? The daylight hours will get longer next weekend. Seize the day! Day by day, we’ll get through.

You know the best cure for rain and darkness, of course. Do something. Take a walk in the SPARC. Hit the beaches, always freshly sanded with each tide. Find an indoor hobby like the Beer Choir, knitting and adult coloring books. Plan that trip to Paris in the spring. Read. Join a basketball or broomball league. Move your mind and body. Should the sun shine, even for a brief hour, take a break and gather some photons.

We’ve got your back, Cosmic Hamletoids, because right now there’s tons of stuff to do, like these Best Bets:

BEST FEEL YOUR O.A.T.S. BET: That’s “oats” as in Outdoor Adventure Talks at 5:30 p.m. today at Grace Ridge Brewery, where a cool speaker inspires us to do great outdoor adventures. Tonight Dr. Randy Wiest speaks about the bicycle trips he took after retiring earlier this year.

BEST BRIGHT LIGHTS, LITTLE CITY BET: Homer can be creative about its light displays, but what did you expect? See some awesome holiday lights from 5-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 22 and 23 at Bear Creek Winery. Enjoy hot drinks and a festive display of color, snow or not.

BEST MUSICAL THANKS BET: The Homer Youth String Orchestra had some awesome community support for the filming of its Blue Ice video, and they’re returning the favor in a concert 11 a.m.-noon Saturday at K-Bay Caffé.

BEST WARMING HEARTS BET: Snuggle up at the Homer Public Library from 3-5 p.m. Saturday and hear “Winter Tales to Warm Your Heart” presented by local storytellers. You’ll laugh, you might cry, but you’ll be moved by the power of the spoken word.

BEST DANCE DANCE BABY BET: What better way to shake off the blues with a community dance from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at the SPARC? Radio Flyer provides the music. If you miss that, or want to keep dancing, it’s the monthly Square and Contra Dance from 7:30-10 p.m. Saturday at West Homer Elementary School.

BEST DON’T FORGET BET: The Betster doesn’t get why the Procrastinators Fair held this weekend is called that. Serious procrastinators don’t start shopping until next Saturday. Pick up some cool gifts from noon-3 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at Homer Middle School.

It’s back The bear in the side of Poot Peak has emerged for the winter after snow fell on the mountain last Friday, Dec. 8, highlighting the image of of a head, nose and eyes. (Photo by Michael Armstrong, Homer News)

We had sunshine? Boats are reflected in smooth waters at the Homer Harbor last Friday, Dec. 8 — a rare sunny day during a month that has otherwise been cloudy and wet. (Photo by Michael Armstrong, Homer News)