Sure, you've heard the stories about a team of reindeer and a magical sleigh. There have been elaborations on the legend over the years, like a red-nosed reindeer with amazing navigational powers. Every year Christmas happens, proof that some miracle must be at hand. As the Betster likes to say, for every logical explanation there also is an illogical explanation.

Holy Groom Lake! You know Area 51, that supersecret base in Nevada rumored to be where scientists have been reverse-engineering crashed alien spacecraft? A high-level North Pole source who asked not to be named told the Betster that Area 51 is actually Santa's secret research facility where [this passage censored by North Pole Intelligence Agency] and that's how His Highness of Ho-Ho-Ho gets all those gifts to every good little boy and girl on time and as requested.

So put out the egg nog with freshly ground nutmeg, please and the cookies. Write a nice thank-you note to Santa. Leave a little kibble for the reindeer. Go to bed early, kids, and don't bother waiting to see if you can catch Santa. Millions of children have tried, even with those fancy motion-detector cameras. Celebrate the holidays with family and friends, perhaps with some of these Best Bets:

BEST SLICK SANTA BET: Santa has a schedule busier than former Gov. Sarah Palin on her book tour, but he's managed to fit in a special appearance from 12:30-1:30 p.m. today at a Christmas Eve skate party at the Kevin Bell Ice Arena. The party runs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $5.

BEST HOLY DAYS BET: By Christmas, we'll have gained two more minutes of daylight. For Christians, Dec. 25 means not just more light, but the dawning of the light the Light of the Lord. Celebrate Christ's birth in services today and on Christmas at the church of your choice. From 4-6 p.m. today, Christian Community Church holds a community Christmas Eve turkey dinner. Homer United Methodist Church has a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Nancy Levinson speaks on "The Myth and Meaning of Christmas" at her home for a meeting of the Homer Unitarian Universalists Fellowship. Call 235-5917 for directions.

BEST DRILL BABY DRILL BET: Get out the augers and get ready to pull forth the bounty of the earth beautiful fresh fish from Alaska's lakes, that is. Learn all about winter ice fishing with a Discovery Lab from 2-3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center. It's part of Winterfest events at the I & O.

BEST SHINE A LIGHT BET: The moon is full with good minus tides next week the perfect time for tidepooling by flashlight. Join Carmen and Conrad Field for an expedition from 6-8 p.m. next Wednesday. Dress warmly, bring a light and meet at the Bishop's Beach parking lot.

Homer's Best Bets