Gift of the Magi: Who's who
This young woman is the main character who sells her beautiful hair.
Who is Della
Della had saved only this amount of money to buy Jim's Christmas gift.
What is one dollar and eighty-seven cents?
The story takes place on this special evening.
What is Christmas Eve?
This four-week season of waiting and preparation comes before Christmas.
What is Advent?
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings"
What is 'It's a Wonderful Life'?
This is Della's husband's full first name.
What is James?
Jim bought Della these expensive hair accessories with jeweled rims.
What are combs?
The narrator compares Jim and Della to these wise gift-givers from the Bible.
Who are the Magi (or Three Wise Men)?
Catholics traditionally attend this special celebration on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
What is Midnight Mass / Christmas Mass?
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear"
What is 'Elf'?
This woman bough Della's hair for twenty dollars.
Who is Madame Sofronie?
Della bought Jim this accessory made of platinum for his most prized possession.
What is a watch chain (or fob)?
This is the main theme of the story, shown when both characters give up their most valuable possessions.
What is sacrifice / selfless love?
Catholic families often display this scene showing baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the animals in a stable.
What is a Nativity scene, or crèche?
"You'll shoot your eye out!"
What is 'A Christmas Story'?
The story compares Jim's watch to this biblical king's treasures.
Who is King Solomon?
This is what Jim sold to buy Della's expensive gift.
What is his gold watch?
This type of irony occurs when both gifts become useless because of what each person sold.
What is situational irony?
This is what pink candle on the Advent wreath represents.
What is Gaudete Sunday, and joy?
"Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal"
What is 'Home Alone'?
The story compates Della's hair to this biblical queen's jewels.
Who is the Queen of Sheba?
The couple paid this amount per week for their furnished flat.
What is eight dollars?
This is the pen name of William Sydney Porter, who wrote the story in 1905.
Who is O. Henry?
In the Catholic tradition, the Christmas season officially lasts this many days, ending on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
What is approximately 20 days (or until the Sunday after Epiphany)?
"Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to"
What is 'Miracle on 34th Street'?