When we first thought of adapting The Gift of the Magi, everyone we spoke to expressed a deep sentiment for the story. As with most holiday stories, O.Henry manages to protray a brief, lived human experience. Whether it is a good one, or bad, is irrelevant as it provides a real connection to the story for readers, and we hope that connection lives on through this presentation.
Originally published in a 1905 issue of Pulitzer’s New York World, The Gift of the Magi tells the story of Jim and Della, newlyweds who are struggling to make ends meet. As the holidays approach, the scrimping and saving have left Della with only $1.87 to buy Jim’s gift. Both Jim and Della are faced with the dilemma of putting their creativity and thoughtfulness to the test on a budget or devising a “get rich quick scheme” in order to purchase a gift that will show each one’s love and devotion for the other.
Believed to have been penned at Manhattan’s Pete’s Tavern, O. Henry’s cherished tale instills the priceless values of love, selfless sacrifice, and giving with a touch of irony and a hint at the original Christmas story itself.