Most of us know the Story of the Magi, a short story written by O. Henry and first published in 1905, about a poor couple’s struggle to buy Christmas gifts for each other. On Christmas Eve the wife, Della, visits a hairdresser who buys her long hair so Della can buy her husband a chain for his watch. When the husband, Jim, comes home that evening, Della tells him she sold her hair to buy him the chain. Jim then gives Della her present, a set of ornamental combs he bought by selling his watch, which she won’t be able to use until her hair grows back. While the gifts that Jim and Della give each other couldn’t be used, they knew how deep and true their love was for each other which, I think, is all that truly matters.
Last year, many of us did not or could not mark that holiday season in traditional ways with family, loved ones, and or friends. I can’t even remember now if I put out any decorations or if I prepared a special meal. The one thing I do remember –it just wasn’t the same.
I wrote in one of my blogs about how great it would be if everything just got back to normal; an average winter followed by a decent spring and a wildfire-free summer. A time to celebrate those annual observances like July fourth or New Year’s Eve or Kwanzaa or Diwali or Eid al-Fitr with joy and shared camaraderie. I’d give up receiving any gifts if it was possible for my family to be together this year because, for me, the greatest gifts are not wrapped in paper.
Happy Holidays everyone and of course,
How did you find solace this week?
Sharon
© 2021. Sharon Kreider. All Rights Reserved
