The Gift of the Magi is a short story by O. Henry, originally published in 1905. However, to this day, this short story is told over and over and its lessons still ring true.
The story is about a young husband, Jim, and his wife, Della. They are struggling to make ends meet but want to give one another special gifts for Christmas. Jim’s treasured possession is an heirloom pocket watch which was handed down to him by his grandfather and father. Della’s treasured possession was her long, beautiful brown hair that reached well past her knees. She took great care of it for years and devoted significant time and energy to growing it.
Della desperately wants to get Jim a gold chain for his watch. She knew it would be the perfect complement for his family treasure.
Jim wants to get Della two hair combs to use in her beautiful hair. However, they have fallen on hard times and live in poverty.
On Christmas Eve, Della decides to cut and sell her hair to buy Jim the chain for his pocket watch. Jim also goes out and sells his pocket watch to buy Della her hair combs.
When they realize that they had sold their most precious possessions to get something for the other, they realize that the true gift was the love they share.
The story ends with the narrator declaring that those who sacrifice their material possessions for the people they love are as wise as the magi – the wise men who brought Jesus gifts.
My hope this Christmas season is that we all enjoy the love we share with those around us – our family, friends, framily (friends who’ve become our family), coworkers, neighbors, and all the lives that intertwine with ours.
That we can fondly reminisce about past memories, make new memories, and enjoy being together.
And, may the gift of the magi and the love you share for one another fill your hearts with joy and peace.
