12 Days of Home for the Holidays Welcomes Stephenie Haman

Stephenie Hamen

Gratitude, Turkey, and Pajama Pants

As a kid, you live and breathe for Christmas.  No matter how much our parents try to teach us what Christmas is truly about, in the end, we all know what it is about – the stuff.  Who got whom what and why did she get more than me and not getting that one thing.  The reason for the season is somehow forgotten, along with most of the excitement after a few short days.

While I have amazing traditions during this time – baking extra special family recipe cookies, decorating the tree, and watching my favorite holiday movies on an endless rotation – it is not my favorite part of the holidays.

My biggest love during this time of the year is actually Thanksgiving.

There are no expectations other than to be together, good or bad, happy or sad – we are together.  Family and friends and anyone that needs a seat, has a seat.  It is about cooking together, eating together, maybe sharing a glass of wine (or 3) together.  It is about watching the football game and lighting a fire in the fireplace, and curling up in comfy pants when it is all said and done.  No one expects a new sweater or that latest video game.  There is no rushing from this house to that house, packing up gifts and exchanging my gift bags for your gift bags.  There is no pressure (other than the silent prayer that the turkey is in no way reminiscent of the one from “Christmas Vacation”) on the day... we will eat about 2:00, maybe 2:30 and everyone helps out. 

This year, everyone is coming to our house...  and I mean almost everyone.  My brother will be in LA, but my parents and Matt’s will be here, as will his Aunt and Uncle, my sister and her family, and my brother in law and his wife.  We’ve invited a few more, so you never know.  All that I can say for sure is that the thought of all of that food and all of that family on one day could be slightly terrifying and overwhelming for a Type A person (like myself).

I decided, however, to embrace it and realize that the perfection doesn’t lie in the details of an amazing centerpiece and a great presentation – the perfection lies in the memories we will create, the stories we will share, the naps we will take, and the food we will share.  Poetic, isn’t it?

So while the kids are making their lists and everyone is planning their shopping, I am digging in and preparing to have an absolutely fabulous Thanksgiving, where I will be grateful, eat a ton of turkey, and parade around in my stunning pajama pants... if only I could decide between the gnomes and the snowflakes.

Stephenie’s Favorite Butternut Squash
Ingredients:
4 oz plain goat cheese
Fresh sage
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
Olive oil
1 butternut squash
¼ cup pecans

Preparation: The night before, prepare the goat cheese. Let it soften and then put it in a bowl. Mince 2-3 sage leaves and mix into the cheese, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Seal and put it in the fridge for the flavors to meld together.

Day of, heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cube the butternut squash. Use 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil (depends on how big your squash is) to lightly coat the squash. Spread on a baking sheet in one layer. Sprinkle with 1 t. salt and 1 t. pepper. Mince 3-4 more sage leaves and add.

Cook until tender, about 45 minutes, checking half way through and mixing it once. Separately, toast the pecans and set to the side.

Let it all cool about 10 minutes and put it into a bowl. Crumble goat cheese over the top and serve immediately.

Happy Holidays from our home to yours.

Stephenie Hamen
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Photo Tip of the Day

Reflect- Both literally and that deep philosophical type of reflection.
(a) Grab a full reflection! I love to capture any type of reflection, whether it’s in a mirror or rain puddles. There’s something magically about seeing double in photos.)
(b) Print your photos. In the digital age it’s so easy to take millions of photos only to have them live on your computer. Don’t forget to print them! It does a body good to reflect on those happy times spread throughout your house.

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Happy Holidays!