December 9: O. Henry

The story The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry tells the tale of a young husband and wife who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy a Christmas gift for the other. I encourage you to read the entire story here. But enjoy this quote in the meantime:

The magi, as you know, were wise men – wonderfully wise men who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days, let is be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.
From The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry