Harnessing the Holiday Spirit: Reading "The Gift of the Magi"

Together we will read O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," a beautiful short story about a married couple that secretly sells their most prized possession so that they can give a meaningful gift to the other. Before reading aloud, I will ask each person to read the prescript to themselves. This short paragraph explains the allusion "Magi," a term that refers to The Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Understanding this term will help them understand the sacrifice that both characters in the short story makes for the other (RL.9-10.9).

Then we will read the story, popcorn style, so that each reader passes the reading to someone else when he or she is finished. After reading, we will discuss the meaning of the title: why did O. Henry title his short story after an early Christian image when it is about a 1900s story of a young couple? What can it mean for us now?

In an attempt to personalize the message of sacrifice, I will ask students to journal about what the story can mean for them over vacation and in context of the Student Santa Program (W.9-10.10). I will ask some probing questions, such as:

• What can you give up for someone else?
• It's not always about giving something away. What can you do for someone else? What would your mom appreciate?
• Think beyond money and expensive gifts. What is most important to your family and friends?

I do not plan to ask anyone to share. I want this to be personal and reflective. Sharing may actually undermined it.

Before the period ends, we will spend some time talking about plans for break. Who's traveling? Who's skiing? Who's working or has sports responsibilities? It's a nice, relaxing way to leave each other for almost two weeks and a great way to build community (SL.9-10.1).