From the Bookshelf of Retro Chapter Chicks …

The Gift of the Magi

O. Henry

Start date: December 1, 2015

Finish date: December 31, 2015

Discussion: Newsletter

Discussion leader: Kris (My Novelesque Life)

Why we're reading this: Our holiday special chosen by our lovely moderator, Kris.
[close] Our holiday special chosen by our lovely moderator, Kris.

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Newsletter

November - December 2025 Newsletter
By Tasha , Librarian I · 4 posts · 10 views

last updated Nov 01, 2025 12:36PM

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What Members Thought

Jan 28, 2015 Candi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: classics-shelf, christmas-holiday, kindle-book-i-own, group-read

4 stars

"Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. They are the magi."

A lovely short story about the true meaning of Christmas. While caught up in the rush and chaos of the holiday season, I am thankful to be reminded of what is truly important - love, sacrifice and the giving of one's self to another. Do yourself a favor and take a moment to read this timeless classic! ...more

67 likes · Like · see review

Dec 27, 2019 Stacey B rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Point of the book was well taken.
The lack of selfishness shines through in this short book between two penniless lovers and Christmas gifts.
What would you sacrifice for your soulmate?

29 likes · Like · see review

Dec 23, 2019 Maureen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christmas

I love this book, it is one of my favorite Christmas stories.

23 likes · Like · see review

Nov 19, 2015 Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu rated it it was amazing

Shelves: classics, holiday, tbrhchallenge

Such a beautiful classic of two 'foolish' youth that sell their most precious gifts to give
an equally precious gift to their love. This story epitomizes what gift giving should be and not
what it has become in the modern age. I greatly enjoyed how O. Henry details the room, the clothing, and the scenery outside to give an impression of the lives of Della & Jim. I also loved the story telling of their precious gifts, how the watch came to belong to Jim & how it made him feel dapper despite his di ...more

5 likes · Like · see review