The Gift of the Magi

Once upon a time, in a modest apartment tucked in a bustling city, lived a young couple, Della and Jim. They were deeply in love, but they had very little money. Christmas was approaching, and Della wanted to find the perfect gift to show Jim how much she cared. She counted her savings—just $1.87. It wasn’t enough.

Della’s most treasured possession was her long, flowing hair, which shimmered like golden silk. Jim’s prized belonging was his pocket watch, passed down from his grandfather, a symbol of time and legacy.

As Della stared at her reflection, a bold idea took shape. She rushed out into the frosty streets to a shop that bought hair. With a heavy heart, but a determined smile, she let her precious locks be cut for $20. With the money, she purchased a sleek platinum chain for Jim’s watch—a gift worthy of his cherished heirloom.

That evening, Jim came home, his face tired but lit with a loving smile. As he stepped inside, his eyes widened in disbelief. Della’s hair was gone.

“Della,” he said softly, “your hair… it’s so beautiful. But why?”

“I wanted to give you a gift,” she replied, handing him the chain. “Your watch deserves this.”

Jim laughed gently, and then his eyes glistened with tears. “Oh, Della,” he murmured, reaching into his pocket. “I sold my watch to buy you these.”

He opened a small box to reveal a set of elegant hair combs—combs Della had admired in a shop window.

For a moment, they stared at each other, and then laughter filled the room. Their gifts, though useless now, symbolized something far greater: their love and sacrifice.

In the glow of their little Christmas tree, they embraced, knowing they were richer than they had ever been. Like the Magi who brought gifts to the Christ child, Della and Jim had given each other the greatest gift of all—unconditional love.