It is a short story written by O. Henry in 1905, narrates the tale of a young couple, Della and Jim, who make heartfelt sacrifices by parting with their most cherished possessions to purchase Christmas gifts for each other. Della, with her beautiful long hair, decides to cut it off and sell it for $20 to buy Jim a platinum fob chain for his watch. Jim, in turn, sells his watch to acquire a set of combs for Della’s hair. When they unveil their gifts on Christmas morning, both are initially disappointed to discover that their gifts are rendered useless without the corresponding possessions. Nevertheless, they are deeply moved by the thoughtfulness behind their gifts and the profound love they share for one another.
The story concludes with the narrator’s reflection, saying, “Of all who give gifts, these two were the wisest. In the realm of givers and receivers, they exemplify wisdom. In every corner, their wisdom shines—the true magi.”
“The Gift of the Magi” stands as a timeless Christmas tale, enduringly retold across generations. It serves as a poignant testament to the notion that the most meaningful presents often originate from the depths of one’s heart. This story serves as a poignant reminder that the most meaningful gifts often originate from the depths of our hearts. It also underscores the message that the true essence of Christmas resides not in material possessions but in the love and warmth we bestow upon our loved ones.
The story was written at Pete’s Tavern, located on Irving Place in New York City. It made its debut in print within the pages of The New York Sunday World on December 10, 1905, originally titled “Gifts of the Magi.” Subsequently, it found its way into book format in April 1906 as part of the O. Henry anthology known as “The Four Million.”
The Four Million stands as O. Henry’s second published anthology of short stories, which was initially published on April 10, 1906, by McClure, Phillips & Co. in New York. Within its pages, there are twenty-five stories of varying lengths, including some of his most renowned works, such as “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Cop and the Anthem.”