The story of "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry describes the way in which a loving couple understands the real meaning of sacrifice, and in turn, of Christmas. These are some of the major events of the story:
Della is desperate to buy James a chain for his watch for Christmas, as the watch is his most valuable possession. However, she does not have enough money to do so.
Della decides to sell her long hair, which is her most prized possession, to be able to buy the chain.
At Christmas, James realizes Della's hair is short, and he hands her the present he bought her: a set of combs that she cannot use now.
Della explains why she cut her hair and gives James his present.
James is then shocked, and he explains that he sold his watch in order to buy Della the set of combs.
