As I sit here among the twinkling lights of our two (yes, two – long story) Christmas trees, it’s late at night and all is silent throughout the house. With the exception of the blistering wind beating against the windows, all is calm. The floor beneath the trees is overflowing with the most beautifully wrapped gifts. I’m being overwhelmed by the realization of how blessed my little family is.
It wasn’t too many years ago that we were praying for holiday bonuses and piecing together Christmas by fitting $50 on this credit card and $25 on that one. To say the least, I know what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet – especially around the holidays. Certainly, we are not wealthy – not even anywhere close to it. But one thing I’m so grateful for is the perspective that I have having had little.
It’s made me realize that it’s not about the size, number, or price tags of the gifts under our tree. In fact, it’s not about the gifts at all. It’s about the family and friends you share the holiday with. This year a new plaque has found its way to our holiday mantle. It says, simply, “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” It certainly holds a powerful message.
In light of the tragedy that our country has faced in the last few weeks, I hope that we can all take the time to realize how precious we are to one another. It’s unfortunate that we have to experience tragedy to have the realization, but if this disaster has taught us anything, it’s that our time here is limited no matter how young or old we are. This Christmas, my wish for you is to be able to pull your family closer, hold them longer, and squeeze them tighter.
And no matter where it is or who you’re with, I hope you can find your way home this Christmas.
Merry Christmas, y’all!
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This is another SUPER simple recipe that my grandmother has always shared during the holiday season. With three ingredients and no baking, it just about can’t be beat.
Recipe Card
Pecan Log
Ingredients
- 11 to 12 ounce package vanilla wafers
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Crush vanilla wafers well. (I prefer to use a food processor here.)
- In a large bowl, combine crushed wafers, condensed milk, and pecans. Mix well to combine.
- Form into two logs and wrap each in wax paper. Refrigerate.
- Slice and serve chilled.
How long does it stay good in the refrigerator?
I usually keep it for a week to 10 days – maybe a little longer.
Hi Stacey and Merry Christmas to you and your family. I have tried many of your recipes, I recently tried apple
chewies, they were 5 star delicious. I plan to try the pecan log and the chewy sugar cookies before Christmas.
What prompted me to leave this comment was the message on your mantle, “Love is what is in the room with
you at Christmas, etc. You are so blessed if you have family to celebrate Christmas with and being human we sometimes forget what’s really important. I lost my daughter last year. We need to appreciate the family we have as no one is promised tomorrow and Christmas is a great time to remember that.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Judith. I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a child. But you are 100% correct. We’ve got to make the best of the time we’ve got.
Stacey, I grew up with this Pecan Log from both my Grandmothers! My mother didn’t have the recipe when I asked about it some years ago. So glad you shared your grandmother’s Pecan Log recipe with us, I’ve got it on my “to make” list to share on candy/cookie platters. I love your blog! You are so genuine and funny and speak to my Southern heart even though I am a Texas girl. All my ancestors were from the South though. Have a very Merry & Blessed Christmas!
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I truly appreciate those kind words. Merry Christmas!
Can u do with peanuts? Add candy coated chocolate like M&Ms?
Sure! I can’t see why that wouldn’t work. The M&Ms might make it a little tougher to cut, but would still be delicious – I’d imagine.
Awesome Stacey! My Mama made this, but she added cherries and called it an Icebox Fruit Cake! My brother and I always stole little bits and pieces! That’s for the precious memory!!!
I need to try it with cherries! Sounds so good!
Is this the same recipe that was also made in milk cartons or old coffee can
I’m not sure. I’ve heard of folks packing my grandmother’s recipe for icebox fruitcake back in the graham cracker box, but I’m not sure I’ve heard of doing that with this recipe.
I’ve never liked the ones with the nougat inside. THIS is the one I grew up eating!!! Been looking for a recipe forever! Thank you!
Sure hope it will bring back some happy memories!
Do you serve the pecan log on crackers or by it self? Thanks!
You slice it and serve it just like cookies. 🙂