I grew up using squash in all pumpkin recipes, and still do. I find pumpkin to be on the bland side and prefer squash. My favorites are butternut and buttercup, and love Hubbard, but don't find that very often. I love growing my own, but that has not been an option for a few years.
I cut in half (or smaller if it's really big) and steam cook the squash, (one of the few things I use my electric roaster for), and after it cools, I scoop it off the shell, puree it and measure and put in freezer bags.