Thanksgiving has finally arrived, and I hope your day is already off to a warm and joyful start. Here on the homestead, we are buzzing with activity — the kind of holiday busyness that feels full of purpose, gratitude, and love.

I started my morning bright and early with what I always do: feeding the animals. The chickens, ducks, dogs, bunny, and tortoise have all been taken care of — check that off the list! There’s something grounding about beginning the holiday with the daily routines that keep this homestead running. It’s a reminder of what truly matters.

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Cooking a Honey Baked Ham for Our Service Members

After the morning chores, the kitchen became my next mission. Today, I’m preparing a big, beautiful honey baked ham for service members living in the barracks. Holidays can be lonely when you’re away from home, and if there’s one thing we can do to make their day brighter, it’s ensuring they get a delicious, home-cooked Thanksgiving meal.

My Famous Honey Baked Ham Glaze

I’ve perfected my glaze over the years, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory:

• Apricot preserves
• Orange juice
• Mustard
• A dash of soy sauce

This glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven and turns the ham into something truly special. Every year, I’m reminded why this combination works so well — it’s rich, bright, and full of comfort.

Once the ham is finished and packed, I’ll head out to deliver it. It’s a small way of saying thank you to the men and women who serve our country every day, even during the holidays.

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Preparing Our Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

After delivering the food, I’ll come home and jump right into preparing our own Thanksgiving meal — and this year, we’re taking a wonderfully non-traditional route.

Instead of turkey, stuffing, and the usual classics, we’re grilling porterhouse steaks as the star of the meal. Yes, steaks on Thanksgiving! Why not? The holidays should be filled with foods you love, not just foods tradition says you should make.

But don’t worry, I’m still keeping a few familiar favorites on the table:

• Sweet potato casserole
• Green bean casserole
• And maybe even a side of cornbread dressing for that perfect touch of nostalgia

It’s a blend of tradition, comfort, and a little culinary adventure — exactly how I love to celebrate.

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The Heart of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it brings together all the best things: food, family, gratitude, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with people you care about.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd, spending the day with just a few loved ones, or delivering meals to others like we are today, this day is about connection and kindness. It’s about recognizing the blessings in front of us — from the animals we care for to the people we cherish.

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Wishing You a Beautiful Thanksgiving Day

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with joy, warmth, and delicious food.
Whether you’re celebrating with turkey, grilled steaks, casseroles, or something completely different, may your day be restful, meaningful, and full of gratitude.

From all of us at J & J Homestead,
Happy Thanksgiving — I hope everyone has a wonderful day!