I’ve not always had a penchant for being the most festive during the the holiday season — or even as grateful as I could be.

For a number of years, life seemed to be passing me by one day at a time; drawing me onward in a state of perpetual wandering and wondering of what was in store for me next.

I won’t say that this isn’t entirely the case anymore, but recently I’ve begun to realize that the old cliche “life isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey” may not only be true but have a double meaning — at least from where I’m sitting this Thanksgiving. Specifically, my appreciation for the little moments has rapidly increased upon the realization that the interactions and experiences gleaned from daily life are not only meaningful; but have the ability to set the stage for a big picture revelation.

This is obviously the kind of discovery that will reveal itself to everybody on an individual basis through their own unique set of circumstances. For me, it’s been humbling and heartwarming to be able to have grasped onto a different outlook on life — with a little help from my friends — and get just a little hope to hold onto just in time for my waning 20s to be laid to rest.

Philosophical waxing aside, life as a whole is generally not always as challenging as it can sometimes seem. They say there’s a silver lining in every cloud, and for the first time I’m finding that sentiment to be somewhat applicable. I’m finding a sense of beauty and strength in the struggle for consistency and stability.

Surely, that in itself is something to be thankful for. Family, friends, significant others; it all ties in to the values and priorities that we place upon ourselves to shape the future that we most desire.

Looking ahead, I see something to believe in and strive for. We get one shot at this existence. It stands to reason that we should all be putting as much of ourselves as we can into making it the most it can be. What better time to start than right now?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

And now, here’s some of what you can expect to find in the area this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

‘Meet The Fenton’ Holiday Tours To Kick Off At Fenton History Center Friday: Costumed actors will bring the home of the Fenton family to life during the evening hours every Friday, beginning this week, through Dec. 16. The actors will offer a glimpse into life in the Fenton’s Victorian mansion during the holiday season. In addition to the information to be gleaned from the tour, attendees will also have an opportunity to see some of the Fenton History Center’s annaul “‘Tis the Season” holiday exhibit, which features various seasonal displays depcitgin the Victorian age to the 1950s. Not only do exhibits reflect American holidays, but also Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Los Posados, among others celebrated by ethnic groups.

The tours will run for approximately an hour, and reservations are required. The tours cost $20 for non-members, $15 for members, and $10 for children. Reservations can be made by calling the Fenton History Center t 664-6256. For more information, visit fentonhistorycenter.org or find “Fenton History Center” on Facebook.

‘Wits ‘N Giggles’ Returns With Magic To Northwest Arena Saturday: The Northwest Arena’s “Wits ‘n Giggles Stand-Up Comedy” series returns with a 7:30 p.m. event Saturday that will feature the magically comical Kevin Lee. An accomplished comedian-magician, Lee goes from town to town and leaves its inhabitants in awe with his unique combination of comedy, magic and juggling. His career began in at The Comedy Cafe in Washington, D.C., where he won the very first comedy competition he ever entered. After his time in D.C., Lee moved to California, where he honed his craft; bringing his repertoire of comedy, magic and juggling to audiences of all ages and walks of life. While in California, Lee became a regular at the world’s famous Comedy Store. His TV appearances include spots on “Showtime at the Apollo,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam,” and Jamie Foxx’s “Uptown Comedy Club” to name a few. Lee has also been seen on five seasons of BET’s “Comic View,” and his unique set of skills have allowed him to share the stage with legends such as Gladys Knight, Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, Whitney Houston, Chris Tucker and Sinbad.

“Wits ‘n Giggles” is held in the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club, located on the top floor of the Northwest Arena. Tickets for the 18-and-over event are $10 presale, $12 day of show, and $5 for students. Tickets can be reserved by calling 484-2624, visiting northwestarena.com, or at the Northwest Arena’s Landmark Chevrolet Box Office at 319 W. Third St. in Jamestown.

3rd On 3rd Gallery Opens Annual ‘Over 100 Under 100’ Exhibit Saturday: 3rd on 3rd Gallery at Reg Lenna Center for the Arts will open its annual Over 100 Under 100 art show Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local and regional artists will sell their work on this Small Business Saturday, with each piece priced under $100. The exhibit runs through December 30.

Participating artists include: Heather Kanazawa, Marcia Merrins, Connie Bahan, Christine French, Tammy Bakewell, Susan Plover, Jake Francis, Sandy Pickert, Elena Thomas, Erin Griffith, Kathleen Tenpas, Jennifer Schlick, Elliott Hutten, Mary Jacobs, Penny Minner, Catherine Walsh, Courtney Mealy, Tara Eastman, Robin Lingenfelter Knepshield, Rick Minard, Ryan Hawkins, Wendy Bale, Don Hill, Stephanie Zwyghuizen, Monika Garami, Zarina Keyani, Louise Blakeway, Sara Baker Michalak, Carrie Tredo, Katie Stuart, Phyllis Cairns, David Cotton, Bethany Bjork, Laurie McGRath, Cynthia Norton, Cecelia Price, Liag Zeppetello, Barbara Del Monte, Ashley Ordines, Nicole Carson, Emillia Tallon, Kristina Kaiser, DryadArt Studios, Hawkwind Studio, Christy Johnson, Oksana Verber, Joe Rice, Karen Glosser, Audrey Dowling, Molly Woodfield and Kim Turner.

3rd on 3rd Gallery is located at 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and private viewings can be made by calling 664-2465 ext. 227.

Turkey Skee-Ball Returns To Northwest Arena Saturday: Turkey Skee-Ball returns to the Northwest Arena in an on-ice event Saturday at 3 p.m. Turkey Skee-Ball begins with teams of four rolling frozen turkeys down the ice into a target. Each player rolls one turkey down the ice per frame with 10 frames per game. The opposing team then rolls them back, also trying to score. The target is as follows: the red center circle is five points, middle blue circle is three points, and outer red circle is one point. The registration fee is $40 per team ($10 per person), and the deadline is Saturday at 2 p.m. Gym shoes and gloves are highly recommended. Food and drink specials will be available, as well as prizes for the top performing team.

All interested teams can register at northwestarena.com, by calling 484-2624, or at the Northwest Arena — located at 319 W. Third St. in Jamestown. Payment is due at time of registration. For more information, contact dan.shea@northwestarena.com.

Bach Cantata Vespers To Perform At Erie’s Luther Memorial Church Sunday: Luther Memorial Church — located at 225 W. 10th St. in Erie, Pa.) will host Bach Cantata Vespers in a 4 p.m. performance Sunday. The program includes selections by J.S. Bach and J.C. Kellner, along with the concertato hymns “Savior of the Nations Come” and “Prepare the Royal Highway.” The event is free and open to the public. A free will offering will be taken, and a reception will follow.

For more information on this and other upcoming concerts at Luther Memorial Church and its concert series, visit lm-concerts.com.

HAPPENINGS

To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email gpaterniti@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 243 by Monday.

Tonight

Jules-R-Us Karaoke: 8 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Karaoke with DJ Xcite: 9 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 10 p.m., Forte, 114 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Friday

Brian Hanna: 6 p.m., The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown

Jules-R-Us Karaoke: 7 p.m., Lakewood Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Steve Strickland Duo: 9 p.m., Yesterday’s, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 9 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Short Bus: 9:30 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Slow Motion Breakdown with Magic Honey: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Black Widow: 10 p.m., Lakeview Hotel, 13 Water St. in Mayville

Widow Maker: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Saturday

Brian Davis: 7 p.m., Celoron Moose, 52 Dunham Ave. in Celoron

Bill Ward and John Cross: 8 p.m., Murdock’s, 100 E. Main St. in Sherman

Rick Magee and the Roadhouse Rockers: 8:30 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown

Jules-R-Us Karaoke featuring Tami T: 9 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Trip the Deuce: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

DJ Goodrich: 10 p.m., Lakeview Hotel, 13 Water St. in Mayville

Wanyama: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Saloonatics: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Sunday

Open Jam:  9 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Monday

Open Jam: 9 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Wednesday

Bluegrass Jam: 7 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown