One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas

One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas

"One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas." These iconic opening lines from O. Henry's classic short story, "The Gift of the Magi," set the stage for a heartwarming tale of love, sacrifice, and the true spirit of giving.

The story follows a young couple, Della and Jim, who are struggling financially but are determined to give each other a special Christmas gift. Della has been saving up her pennies to buy Jim a present, but when she counts her money, she realizes she only has $1.87. In a moment of desperation, she decides to sell her most prized possession, her long, beautiful hair, in order to buy Jim a chain for his treasured pocket watch.

Meanwhile, Jim has been secretly saving up to buy Della a set of combs for her hair, but when he sees her short locks, he is devastated. However, he quickly realizes that Della's sacrifice is a reflection of his own, and they both come to understand the true meaning of love and selflessness.

The story's title refers to the biblical story of the Three Wise Men, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. In "The Gift of the Magi," Della and Jim's gifts may seem insignificant in comparison, but their actions are just as meaningful and heartfelt.

O. Henry's writing is known for its clever twists and surprise endings, and "The Gift of the Magi" is no exception. The story's poignant message about the power of love and sacrifice has resonated with readers for over a century, making it a timeless holiday classic.