Now that the tourists have all gone home, it’s OK to whine about the weather. We don’t have to act all macho-wacko. Sure, if we had some Fairbanskoids in town, we wouldn’t admit it’s cold. We might even wear shorts just like them, if only out of solidarity.

Among ourselves, admit it: It’s dang cold. When the harbor freezes up before Christmas, it’s time to get in touch with our inner wimp. Whine away. It’s not like we have to impress anyone.

As you put on that extra sweater, say a little prayer for those whose personal insulation plan means stuffing their shirts with newspapers. Give thanks for all the simple things: three square meals a day, a cozy home and the love of family and friends.

Give thanks we live in a town where, if you get stuck on the side of the road, even that neighbor you’ve been feuding with since the Nixon administration will give you a jump.

Give thanks that when you’re too proud to ask for help, someone finds out anyway and a turkey mysteriously appears on your doorstep — cooked and in a box so the moose doesn’t eat it. Give thanks that if your home is unsafe people make sure you find shelter. Give thanks that if you’re not sure how to get through the next day, someone will hold your hand and talk you through tomorrow — and tomorrow.

Give thanks that if you get in a little trouble on the bay, a fisherman coming in from a bad day of fishing will make sure your day doesn’t get any worse. Give thanks for clear nights with stars as bright as diamonds. Give thanks for otters playing in the surf, for beaches like Zen gardens and for glorious sunsets. Give thanks for all the blessings of this earth and people wise enough to appreciate it.

And of course, give thanks for a town lively enough that there’s always something to do, like these Best Bets:

BEST MR. HO-HO HISSELF BET: Yup, the Man In Red makes a special appearance from 1-4 p.m. Saturday for the Pratt Museum’s Stocking Stuffer Party. Make Graham cracker houses, decorate cookies, sing holiday songs and do all those sappy things to get the kids and yourself in the holiday spirit. If you miss Santa then, head to Nomar on Sunday for an open house starting at 1 p.m. with refreshments and door prizes.

BEST IN THE SPIRIT BET: Want to put Thanksgiving in a spiritual context? Visit with the Unitarian Universalists from 12:30-2 p.m. Sunday when they talk about “Gratitude for Abundance in a World of Need.” Bring some of that leftover turkey for a potluck to follow.

BEST STRETCH THAT FUEL: When fuel prices go up, the thermostat goes down. Funny how that works. Scott Waterman, an oil geologist, explains it all at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center when he presents “Peak Oil: The Economics of Energy Efficiency,” sponsored by Cook InletKeeper.

BEST YOUR OIL REVENUES AT WORK BET: Room by room, the Kachemak Bay Campus has been renovating and redoing the old post office on East Pioneer Avenue. The latest change is a new art studio and classroom. Check it out from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday with an open house and reception.