Can you feel it? The slow but merciless onset of the winter doldrums? The Betster sure can.

The Betster knows there are morning people out there — heck, the Betster could have even been one in a former life — but fails to comprehend how one could exist in a world where the sun, life’s natural cheery alarm clock, doesn’t get out of bed until after 9 a.m. Are we expected to spring our of our beds wide eyed and bushy tailed when, for all intents and purposes, it still looks and feels like it’s 2 in the morning? The Betster fails to see how this is possible, and therefore has been allowing the winter blues to start setting in. Less spring in the step, less pep in the conversation.

But we are not tied to this fate every winter. No, there are plenty of things we can do to stave it off, from cross-country skiing to joining an after-work club to just getting out for a quick walk in the middle of the day when the sun’s still out. And the Betster can’t stress this one enough: Vitamin D, vitamin D, vitamin D. If all else fails, check out these best bets:

BEST HEALTH BET: Who says we’re destined every year to put on the customary holiday fluff? Learn how to indulge in the holiday season while staying spry with the next Thriving Thursday, Health Holiday Recipes with Sharon Bond of Seldovia Village Tribe. Learn healthy and unique ways to cook your Thanksgiving dinner — Sharon will share some of her favorite holiday recipes. Thriving Thursday is from 6-8 p.m. today at SVT Health and Wellness Center.

BEST BRIE AND BREW BET: If you’ve been patiently awaiting the return of hearty brew and even heartier cheese, you’re in luck! Beer and Cheese is back at the Bunnell Street Arts Center this weekend. “A festive fundraiser of froth and fromage,” the event costs $25 and allows participants to sample five pairings of seasonal cheeses from Anchorage’s Fromagio’s Artisan Cheese with Homer Brewing Company’s fall brews. It takes place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at the center. Pints of beer and cheese by the pound will be available for additional purchase.

BEST GRAB SOME GRUB BET: A Chili Cook-off and Chow Down will take place from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Grace Ridge Brewery. Admission is $10 a person, with proceeds benefitting South Peninsula Haven House. Voting also will be held for the best chili. What better way to warn up your spirit, and belly, as the weather gets colder and colder?

BEST PHILANTHROPIC BET: Have you caught on to the theme yet? Continuing in the foodie direction, if these other events haven’t given you your fill, you could check out the Homer High School Culinary Arts Trivia Night Fundraiser and chow down on some pie in the process. Proceeds allow the program to buy supplies for the students to continue their hands-on education experience. It’s a fun night of trivia and all-you-can-eat pie from the Culinary Arts Program. Form a team of up to six people or come or be placed with a team. Teams will play trivia in six rounds and winners will walk away with whole pies as well as the title Trivia Masters. The event is from 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, and there will also be whole pies available for sale at the event for $15. Tickets are $15 at the Homer High School front desk or the Homer Bookstore.