It’s that time of year again, when we are bombarded by endless streams of commercials urging us to buy the most expensive gifts for our friends and family, lest we fail to show the “true” spirit of the holiday season.

To get a break from the rampant commercialism on continuous display, it is refreshing to pause and reflect on the real meaning of what the holidays are all about. Many people may take the time to watch, or read, Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.” The novella tells the story of the saving of Ebenezer Scrooge from eternal damnation by visits on Christmas Eve of three spirits, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Those spirits lead Scrooge on the path toward moral redemption.

There is, however, a much more economical work of prose that truly captures what this holiday season is all about: “The Gift of the Magi,” by O. Henry. It is a tribute to the author that the soul of this short story still endures today. It tells the poignant and ironic story of a young, but poor, loving couple and the struggle they go through to purchase their gifts for each other. For those of the paper’s readership who have already read “The Gift of the Magi,” it is worth rereading. For those who haven’t yet read it, here’s a link: americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/1-the_gift_of_the_magi_0.pdf. Have a read, and see what you think.

In closing, here’s hoping the New Year will bring us all “Peace on earth and goodwill toward men (and women).”

Samuel Rosenthal
Portland

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