The Gift of the Magi

Della Young lives in a tiny, rent‑controlled flat with her husband Jim, and the winter holidays loom over a meager savings of just one dollar and eighty‑seven cents. Though their incomes are modest, the couple cherishes each other, and Della spends countless evenings dreaming of a present worthy of Jim’s cherished gold watch. When she realizes that her long, beautiful hair is her most valuable asset, she makes a bold plan to turn it into the money needed for a special gift.

At a modest shop that buys hair, Della parts with her flowing locks for a modest price and rushes into the bustling market streets, eyes sharp for anything that might suit Jim’s taste. She finally discovers a simple yet elegant platinum chain, the sort of thing that could hold his heirloom watch with dignity. With the chain clutched in her hands, she returns home, hopeful that her sacrifice will bring the Christmas Jim deserves.