When I was just a little girl holidays always had my “Gaga” in the background…she was the cinnamon roll maker, the perfect bow creator, the holiday table decorator. Now at 49andcounting, I replay those images in my mind, and as I push play on the CD of 
Christmas music, I am thankful for the memories she made.
My Gaga was the image of class and grace. Admist five grandchildren whooping and hollering, she always had Christmas music playing low in the background of her kitchen, decorated the table with fine china and crystal, candles and flowers on a lace tablecloth. Oranges and bananas on Christmas morning were sliced just “so, so” and laced with powdered sugar. I remember seeing her when I first peeked in the kitchen in a soft, pink chenille houserobe… washing the turkey or rolling out cinnamon rolls. By the time the table was set and water goblets were filled, she was dressed elegantly, in a pantsuit, and smelled of Este Lauder.
When Gaga arrived for Christmas, she would come with piles of gifts wrapped in shining, silver paper with huge red bows. We all knew they were definitely “city” gifts from the department store, like Wiley’s or Peguee’s. Gorgeous in contrast to our hand wrapped “Ben Franklin” gifts. One year she even took the time to wrap gifts in red velvet, with vintage lace. As I slap together the umpteenth gift, or even stuff one in a gift bag, I think of Gaga and the time she took to make each present beautiful.
Her home, at Christmas, was decorated with greenery and fancy floral arrangements. And I believe her tree was the first I ever saw with just white lights. I came from a home with multi-colored lights and tinsel slung on by kids! I remember hearing whispers one year that she had the florist come to her house and make the fancy arrangements.
When Gaga walked in the door to our home of hubub and love, love that 5 kids can bring…she perfectly blended, in a gentle quiet way, her peace, grace and elegance, and left to this 49andcounting kid, wonderful memories and a legacy to pass on.
49andcounting 
Wow thanks for the “memories” about Gaga… we all think of her often… but especially at Christmas time. As we were wrapping gifts this year and placing under the tree… I had to go break out the HUGE RIBBONS because I thought Gaga wouldn’t do it any other way!
Sounds like one classy lady.
Happened across your site this morning and I am enjoying my visit. Both my Gagas were simple and quiet ladies who lived simply and needed little. My maternal grandmother whom we lived near and stayed with during the day when not in school was the ‘eve’ type helpmate (my parents both worked in their home and auto store). She kept a perfect house and cooked perfect meals. Granddad treated her as his most prized possession. He did all the shopping for household needs…even shopped for her clothes. He did the talking and she was perfectly content to listen, smile, and serve. My paternal grandmother was the same. Her time was spent serving others. She talked little and kept very busy. After four years of marriage, I complained to her that I didn’t yet have a child and both my sisters had two and three. With her coal black Cherokee Indian eyes she looked straight at me. I waited for her words of compassion which I was sure were about to come forth. Instead of compassion, she gave me words of Wisdom. She said, ‘God is likely teaching you patience!.’ I was hurt, hurt, hurt. But I knew she was right!!! I drove away that day very aware of basic truths, of blessings not material, of influences honest and formative, of a heritage descended from Eve, and with a deep reminder that the American Dream is Proverbs 31.
Again, I enjoyed my visit and the sweet glimpse at your Gaga.