Holy Visigoths! What kind of lowlife scum would smash a Nativity scene? Well, probably the same kind of uncivilized human being who would rip Christmas lights out of trees. Clearly, some people have never experienced corrective discipline from Catholic school nuns. Sister Berneece Have Mercy on Us would rap more than a few knuckles for an offense like that. Wreck a creche? You might as well book a six-month stay in Penance Hall.

It seems like the holidays bring out the worst in some people. You might think it’s another sign of the horrible world we live in, except, just when you think this planet can’t get any worse, doncha know it? People aren’t such slimeballs after all.

For every perp out there who can’t behave, you can find a thousand decent human beings doing a million decent things. That Share the Spirit gift tree at Wells Fargo Bank? The pile of gifts for needy families was bigger than the tree. Churches have been known to scope out people too proud to ask for charity, and then do a drive-by gift drop in the dead of night. From the kid who empties his piggy bank in the Salvation Army kettle to the Coasties who chop wood to raise money for the food bank, this town overflows with generous people.

Creches can be symbols of ideas like compassion, love and hope. You can’t knock down ideals like that, not while so many good people practice the truths of our world’s great religions and philosophies. This week’s Best Bet? You’ve been doing it, all you generous souls. So reward yourself with maybe some of these fun things.

BEST WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: Starting today, the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center shows short films in its International Wildlife Film Series. At noon and 3 p.m. most days, you can catch films like “Alone in the Wilderness” or “Crittercams.” The center is closed Sunday and Monday. Check out the calendar for films.

BEST OUR DREAMS ARE ANSWERED: As the Betster writes this, some flakes of something fall upon our town. Could it be snow? For Christmas? Yahoo! If you find yourself humming, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas,” then you’ll want to check out the 1954 classic film “White Christmas,” showing at 6 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Homer Theatre.

BEST CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE: Pretty much every church in town has Christmas Eve and maybe Christmas Day services. New in town or haven’t been to church in a while? Hey, this isn’t the kind of place where you need a reservation for a candlelight service. See last week’s paper for a description of some of the local services.