The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry, featured in Lesson 12 of Book I for English 1st Year, tells the touching story of Della and Jim, a young couple deeply in love but facing financial hardships. The story begins with Della’s meager savings of $1.87 as Christmas approaches. Overwhelmed by the desire to find the perfect gift for her beloved Jim, Della, known for her beautiful hair, decides to sell her cherished locks to raise money.
Her hair, like a flowing stream of brown water, symbolizes her sacrifice and love. She visits Mrs. Sofronie’s shop, where she parts with her hair for $20. With the money in hand, Della embarks on a quest to find a meaningful gift for Jim, eventually discovering a perfect present. This poignant tale explores the depth of love and selflessness as the young couple’s sacrifices for each other exemplify the true spirit of Christmas.