Groomsmen Gifts Barware Games

Groomsmen Gifts: What Do Guys Really Want? Special Occasions Wedding Business Store Locator Cart Account () Search Advanced Search Top Groomsmen Gifts Barware Games Golf Collection Jewelry/Accessories Knives/Tools More Gifts Things Remembered Exclusive Articles Best for Bridesmaids Celebrate the Years Make It Personal Recognition Breeds Success The Perfect Gift for Mom Top of the Class Grad Gifts Father's Day Gift Ideas Recipient Bridesmaids Groomsmen The Couple Bride Groom Flower Girl Ring Bearer Parents/Grandparents Ceremony Guest Books Pen Stands Ring Pillows Unity Candles Flower Baskets Handkerchiefs Reception Toasting Flutes Cake Server Sets Garters Popular Gifts Collections Jewelry & Trinket Boxes Tankards & Flasks Frames & Photo Storage Throws Clocks Need Help? Customer Service Frequently Asked Questions How to Order Shipping Costs & Schedules What is Personalization? Privacy & Security Shopping Services Rewards Club Request a Catalog Email Sign Up iRemembered Gift Announcement Site Map 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Easy Returns About Things Remembered Company Info Become an Affiliate Contact Us Employment toll free: 1-866-902-4438 Groomsmen Gifts: What Do Guys Really Want? Any gift that suggests a "guys' night out" is a sure bet. by Lynne Hayes When a guy's buddies are willing to stand up beside him on the big day - not to mention behave themselves and wear a tuxedo - a big "thank you" is definitely in order. The traditional way to do this is with groomsmen gifts . They're not only the perfect way for the couple-to-be to show their appreciation for performing groomsmen duties like walking Aunt Mildred to her seat at the ceremony, but they also make a nice, enduring reminder of a special time with good friends-perhaps one of the few times you'll all be together as the years and miles take you in different directions. The Challenge: Find One Gift That Fits All While you'll be upholding a longstanding custom by giving gifts to your groomsmen and best man, that doesn't mean they have to be boring or old-fashioned. There are plenty of nifty gifts out there that your buds are sure to appreciate. Before you head out on your gift shopping adventure, though, take a little time to think about your groomsmen's personalities and interests. Your goal is to find a common denominator here, since you'll want to select the same groomsmen gift for all the guys. As a couple, you'll want to discuss your spending limit and consider that in the equation as well-it'll keep you from wandering over to something way out of your price range, which is one sure way to stress out on your mission. So What Makes A Great Groomsmen Gift? Short of receiving "pizza for life" certificates, most guys like groomsmen gifts that make great conversation pieces. If they're useful, too, well, that's a bonus! Some of the most popular items that guys appreciate include: drinking mugs , cufflinks , collectible Zippo® lighters and yes, even flasks . Retro is making a real comeback, and, while your groomsmen may not be big on quaffing brandy on the run, it's the "retro cool" of a flask that makes it a great groomsmen gift idea. The whole Vegas scene is back in style, too, and there are plenty of groomsmen's gifts available that celebrate this fun, very masculine theme. Think Poker Sets , or pilsner glasses featuring card suit symbols. In fact, if you want to make a really big impression, think about combining these two gifts into one great package for each of your groomsmen-it's the ultimate "guy's night out" gift. While these gifts are all memorable, you also have the option of making them truly personal by creating a personalized gift with an engraved message. Start with each of their names or initials, but go the extra step, too-add a unique sentiment just for them, and also the date of your wedding. Years from now, those special words will make your gift a priceless memento, and bring back memories of the good times you've had together throughout your friendship, and on your wedding day. Timing Is Everything: The Best Time To Present Your Gifts We're back to tradition again to answer this question. Most grooms present their groomsmen gifts at the rehearsal dinner, just as the bride will do with her bridesmaids. That's the ideal time, especially if the gift you've selected is to be worn at the wedding ceremony, like cufflinks or pocket watches . It's also appropriate to give the guys their gifts on the big day, perhaps while you're all together in the dressing area, or during the reception. To make the moment special, it's nice to take each of your groomsmen aside, and to give each gift individually-there's no need to get mushy in public when you have something really personal to say to a good friend! It's The Reason Mom Taught You To Say "Thank You" Now that you understand the whole concept of groomsmen gifts, you can see that it might actually be fun to go out shopping for them at Things Remembered. You've got some great friends, and, between tuxedo fittings, guest seating, and that goofy "groomsmen only" dance you'll probably make them perform, you've got plenty of good reasons to say "thank you" for being by your side for this big moment in your lives. So make a day of it, and get over to the mall and visit Things Remembered - they'll help you pick out the perfect gifts to thank your groomsmen - and your bridesmaids too! Once you two cross all the groomsmen and bridesmaids off your gift list, lunch at the food court awaits! 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housewarming gifts, rustic garden

Aspen Country - Housewarming Gifts, Affordable Housewarming Gift Ideas, New Home & Garden Welcome Gift Decor Entrance Contents View Basket Shipping Checkout Contact Us F.A.Q.s About Us end rendering tab -- Welcome to Aspen Country Aspen Country Store specializes in distinctive home accessories, housewarming gifts, rustic garden decor, Feng Shui home decorations, affordable fine art sculptures and unique theme collectibles. Shop for that perfect housewarming gift, or browse our decorative home accents, kitchen ceramic gifts, welcome signs and garden housewarming gifts, theme home decorations, patriotic gifts, wall crosses, angel figurines and good luck elephant decorations. And, be sure to check out our other thoughtful gift ideas . Enjoy Aspen Country! God Bless America FREE SHIPPING On Orders Over $75 Click for details Search For Unique Gifts: Free Greeting Cards Free personalized online greetings from Aspen Country! Send Free Greeting Cards Add a Message to a Gift Order Browse Aspen Country Gifts Aspen Country Entrance Aspen Country Sampler Men's Home Decor & Gifts Nautical Home Decorations Decor & Gifts for Women Patio, Lawn, Garden Decor Home Decor Accessories Antique-Style Decorations Decorative Mirrors Country Clock Shop Feng Shui Oriental Decor Kitchen Decorations Country Candle Shop Angel Sculptures & Decor Religious Gifts & Statues American Old West African Heritage Decor Dolls, Miniatures, Musicals Toys, Chess Sets, Games Mythical Fantasty Theme Animal Wildlife Sculptures Elephant Statues & Decor Bird & Eagle Sculptures Human Statues, Figurines Designer Photo Frames Home Office Accessories Knives, Tool Sets, Totes Fine Jewelry Gifts Christmas Decorations New Knickknacks & Gifts New! Gift Certificates Aspen Country Site Map Thoughtful, Affordable Housewarming Gifts - Welcome Signs and Welcome Wreaths New welcome wreaths for spring 2005 coming soon! Shop Aspen Country Online! We aim to please our customers and we want you to have a pleasant online shopping experience. Our customer service is second to none and your credit card purchases are secure. Shop Aspen Country By Mail Order or Fax! Printable Order Form ©2005 Aspencountry.com All rights reserved. Number of Hits: - Home & Garden Housewarming Gifts - Thoughtful Housewarming Gift Ideas | Decorative Housewarming Gifts & Affordable Housewarming Gifts | | Welcome Wreaths & Welcome Signs | Housewarming Garden Gifts | | Thoughtful Housewarming Gift Ideas: Feng Shui Housewarming Gifts | | Symbolic Feng Shui Housewarming Gifts for the Garden & Patio | | More Unique Housewarming Gifts & Housewarming Gift Ideas | - Affordable Housewarming Gifts for the New Home - Decorative Housewarming Gift Ideas & Unique Housewarming Gifts Grape Motif Metal & Rattan Wine Bottle Basket Rattan and antiqued metal wine bottle basket combines a country feel with city sophistication. This stylish housewarming gift features a grape and grape vine motif. 6 1/4" x 5 5/8" x 16" high. Item:27090 (Regularly $11.95) SALE! $10.95 Chef Sculpture Holding Ceramic Cookie Jar A most unique kitchen accessory. This French chef presents a tureen in which to hold cookies or store your favorite herbs or spices while cooking. 6 1/2" x 8" x 12 1/2" high. The chef is resin and the jar is ceramic. A nice housewarming gift for the gourmet. Item:31230 (Regularly $29.95) SALE! $24.95 "God Bless America" Stars & Stripes Wreath A wreath to express your patriotic sentiments! Made of wood, it features a heart decorated with the Stars and Stripes and a "God Bless America" sign. This thoughtful housewarming gift is 16" x 2 3/4" x 16" high. Item:32345 (Regularly $19.95) SALE! $15.95 Brass & Pewter Vase - Floral Petal Design A ginger jar shape lends to the beauty of this turned brass floral vase with flower and petal design. Add a few cut flowers or silks, and this vase makes a charming housewarming gift. 5 1/2" diameter x 9" high. Item:29363 (Regularly $24.95) SALE! $19.95 Cobalt Blue Glass Vase - Ornate Silver Grapevine Base Gorgeous cobalt blue colored glass vase with head and foot of antiqued, silver-plated, grape-and-leaf design. An elegant way to present your favorite flowers. This decorative flower vase is 6 1/4" x 11 1/2" high. Item:30072 (Regularly $39.95) SALE! $31.95 Mariner's Spyglass in Carved Wood Desk Box For those keen of eye and intellect. A hand-carved mango wood box opens up to reveal an attractive antique-style spyglass telescope covered with leather and brass accents. A unique housewarming gift idea for men. 3" x 4 1/4" x 3 1/4" high. Item:33015 (Regularly $24.95) SALE! $21.95 Wood Replica Antique Travel Clock / Key Box This collectible "antique" wooden clock is a replica of a travel clock of years past. Elegantly styled, it also features key hooks inside. An unusual home office accessory or unique housewarming gift idea. 7 1/8" x 4 3/8" x 8 1/4" high. Item:31754 (Regularly $19.95) SALE! $14.95 Country Rooster Sun Catcher - Capiz Shell The top of the morning is celebrated by this Capiz shell rooster, hand-painted and ready to catch the sun's rays. Perfect for that new country kitchen, this unique housewarming gift is 6 1/2" diameter. Item:31697 $7.95 Pig Chef Holding Chalkboard - "Chef's Special" This porcine chef holds a chalkboard on which you can present the menu for the day or a note to the family. A great kitchen decoration or housewarming gift. 5 3/4" x 5" x 16" high. Item:31529 (Regularly $29.95) SALE! $24.95 Click for more Vases and affordable Kitchen Housewarming Gift Ideas . - Housewarming Gift Ideas for the New Garden - Thoughtful Housewarming Gifts for Garden, Lawn, Patio Indoor Outdoor Garden Plaque - Night & Day Sun Moon Presenting the best of both worlds, the night and day, this celestial motif indoor-outdoor plaque will add interest to your new garden or home. Heavy durable resin. This sunny garden decoration is 11 1/2" diameter x 1" thick. Item:31826 (Regularly $12.95) SALE! $9.95 White Wooden Gazebo Hanging Bird Feeder This gazebo style bird feeder, painted with its own white picket fence and foliage, is a lovely place to lunch. Wood. A nice gift idea for the new couple's first house. 6" x 6" x 9 1/4" high. Item:30209 (Regularly $17.95) SALE! $14.95 Jovial Bacchus (God of Wine) Garden Wall Plaque Bacchus, the god of wine, is captured in this off-white plaque sculpted with leaf and grapevine design. Stone finish. This unusual indoor-outdoor plaque measures 10 1/2" diameter x 3/4" thick. Item:31018 (Regularly $12.95) SALE! $10.95 "Love Shack" Birdhouse with Heart Shape Entrance A great place for feathered friends to bill and coo ... the "Love Shack" birdhouse. Rustic wood construction will blend nicely with the new garden. A nice housewarming gift idea for newlyweds. This decorative birdhouse measures 8" x 6 3/8" x 8" high. Item:29634 (Regularly $12.95) SALE! $10.95 Lion Sculptures Pair - Garden Entry Lions In all their royal splendor, this pair of garden lion sculptures will make a great entrance statement for your new garden, patio, or driveway. Each lion sculpture is 16" x 8 1/2" x 12" high. Pair. FREE SHIPPING!* Item:31640 (Regularly $149.95) SALE! $119.95 Cabin Birdhouse - "Welcome to Our Neck of the Woods" Welcome birds to your "neck of the woods" with this decorative wood log cabin birdhouse. With rustic ladder, twigs, and pinecones, this bird cottage has the feel of the Black Forest. This garden housewarming gift measures 7 1/2" x 7 3/4" x 12" high. Item:32190 (Regularly $17.95) SALE! $14.95 Tall Garden Fountain - Couple Under Umbrella This lovely fountain, with its acanthus and cabbage leaf design, is topped by a young couple seeking respite from a spring shower. A fine garden adornment. Pump included. 20" diameter x 42" high. Item:32001 (Regularly $249.95) SALE! $174.95 Click for more unique Housewarming Gift Ideas for the New Garden . - Thoughtful Housewarming Gifts for the New Home - Symbolic Feng Shui Housewarming Gifts: Harmony & Tranquility Gold Dragon & Chinese Characters Wall Plaque Add a touch of far away lands to your new home with this detailed golden dragon wall plaque. In the ancient practice of Feng Shui, the dragon is the symbol of power, good fortune and wisdom. 11" diameter. Item:30732 (Regularly $12.95) SALE! $10.95 Good Luck Bamboo Tranquility Water Fountain Water flows flows down from one "bamboo cane" into the next. This tranquility fountain comes complete with decorative stones and UL approved pump. Simulated bamboo. This soothing housewarming gift is 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" x 11 1/4" high. Item:31027 (Regularly $79.95) SALE! $60.95 Mystical Orb Serenity Water Fountain This thoughtful housewarming gift is a fine piece to add calm to an office or den. The natural pebbles, textured clay ball and faux bronze base of this desktop fountain create an aesthetic simplicity. Sound-activated. Battery operated. Item:32042 (Regularly $27.95) SALE! $21.95 Soothing Feng Shui Wind & Water Candle Holder This fan-shaped "Feng Shui" candle holder casts a comforting glow while the Chinese characters meaing wind and water are backlighted. Frosted, mirrored glass. This affordable housewarming gift is 4 3/4" x 2 3/8" x 4 3/8" high. Item:30790 (Regularly $9.95) SALE! $7.95 Chinese "Good Luck" Mirrored Candle Holder Fashioned in a circle shape for good luck, this mirror trim frosted glass votive holder emits a warming glow. The upside down Chinese character of good luck signifies good fortune has arrived. 4 3/4" x 2 3/8" x 4 3/4" high. Item:30789 (Regularly $9.95) SALE! $7.95 Click HERE for more Feng Shui decorations & housewarming gift ideas. - Thoughtful Housewarming Gifts for the Garden - Feng Shui Housewarming Gifts: Peace & Good Luck Authentic Bamboo Wind Chimes - Canoe Motif The gentle, natural sound of bamboo makes these canoe-motif windchimes a refreshing alternative you'll enjoy every time a breeze kicks up. Feng Shui hint: Bamboo windchimes attract and create ch'i. 13 1/8" x 1 1/2" x 36 1/2" high. Item:32221 (Regularly $14.95) SALE! $11.95 Click HERE for more wind chimes & garden housewarming gift ideas. Back to the top of this page More Unique Affordable Housewarming Gifts | Patriotic Decorations | Celestial Motif Sun Moon Stars Gifts | | African Safari Motif, Leopard Print, Jungle-Theme | Nautical | | Feng Shui Housewarming Gifts | Angel Theme Gifts | Office Gifts | | Garden Decorations | Kitchen Gifts, Ceramics, Clocks, Roosters | | Monkey Decor & Gifts | Elephant Home Gifts | Wall Crosses | | Decorative Southwestern Gifts & Western Home Accessories | More Thoughtful Gift Ideas | Gift Ideas for Men | Gifts for Women | Get Well Gifts | | New Baby Gifts, Baptism Gifts | Unique Gifts for Children | | Gifts for Tweens & Teenagers | Grandparent Gift Ideas | | Gifts for Teachers & Students | Housewarming Gift Ideas | | Garden Gifts | Anniversary Gifts | Gifts That Say I Love You | | Golfer Gifts | Hunter Gifts | Fisherman Fishing Theme Gifts | | Gifts Under $10 | Gifts Under $25 | Gifts Under $50 | | Aspen Country Entrance | Aspen Country Sampler | Thank you for shopping at Aspencountry.com! 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Teacher Gifts Articles Top

Student Teacher Gifts - Gifts BW gifts | gifts Resources | Add URL Wine Gifts & Baskets From the casual wine drinker to the serious enthusiast, we have a gift that will make them smile. Our selection includes premium wine, gourmet baskets, distinctive champagne sets & the very finest California and Northwest wines. Student Teacher Gifts Articles Top Inspirational Books for Educators Check out these top picks for the best inspirational books for educators....( Continue Reading ) Top Picks - Top 6 Inspirational Books for Educators Check out these top picks for the best inspirational books for educators....( Continue Reading ) Before You Buy Consumer advice for teachers and students on self-assessment, study guides, teacher gifts, learning software and more....( Continue Reading ) Top Tools for French Translators A selection of suggested gifts sure to please any French translator this holiday season!...( Continue Reading ) Top Picks - Top Six Board Games Give educators a bit of fun. Check out these top six games that are great for gifts and fun....( Continue Reading ) Student Teacher Gifts Directory Links gifts for writers send gift baskets men birthday gifts gifts for geeks top 10 valentine gifts gifts for men who have everything personalized gift baskets wedding anniversary traditional gifts home interiors and gifts com birthday gifts for boyfriends gift baskets of indiana adult birthday gifts gifts for friends valentines gifts send flowers gifts cool gifts for kids send gifts to uk groomsman gifts wood anniversary gifts gag gifts birthday gifts baskets ruby anniversary gifts corporate anniversary gifts custom made gift baskets champagne gift baskets childrens easter baskets special christmas gifts send gifts to pakistan gifts for the boss inspirational gifts gifts 50th birthday gift baskets of tennessee food gifts to make ideas for teacher gifts hanging baskets making gift baskets gag birthday gifts homemade gifts in a jar homemade holiday gifts baby gifts for dad top 10 valentines day gifts anniversay gifts sites to send gifts to india nursing graduation gifts great gifts great shopping Popular Search Terms: Gifts BW © 2004 Gifts BW All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. This site is not related to Brajeshwar or Brajeshwar.com in anyway, shape or form

Christmas Gift

The Gift of the Magi THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. Andsixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and twoat a time by bulldozing the grocer and the vegetable man andthe butcher until one's cheeks burned with the silentimputation of parsimony that such close dealing implied. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty- sevencents. And the next day would be Christmas. There was clearly nothing to do but flop down on theshabby little couch and howl. So Della did it. Whichinstigates the moral reflection that life is made up ofsobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating. While the mistress of the home is gradually subsidingfrom the first stage to the second, take a look at the home.A furnished flat at $8 per week. It did not exactly beggardescription, but it certainly had that word on the lookoutfor the mendicancy squad. In the vestibule below was a letter-box into which noletter would go, and an electric button from which no mortalfinger could coax a ring. Also appertaining thereunto was acard bearing the name "Mr. James Dillingham Young." The "Dillingham" had been flung to the breeze during aformer period of prosperity when its possessor was beingpaid $30 per week. Now, when the income was shrunk to $20,though, they were thinking seriously of contracting to amodest and unassuming D. But whenever Mr. James DillinghamYoung came home and reached his flat above he was called"Jim" and greatly hugged by Mrs. James Dillingham Young,already introduced to you as Della. Which is all very good. Della finished her cry and attended to her cheeks withthe powder rag. She stood by the window and looked out dullyat a gray cat walking a gray fence in a gray backyard.Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only $1.87 withwhich to buy Jim a present. She had been saving every pennyshe could for months, with this result. Twenty dollars aweek doesn't go far. Expenses had been greater than she hadcalculated. They always are. Only $1.87 to buy a present forJim. Her Jim. Many a happy hour she had spent planning forsomething nice for him. Something fine and rare andsterling--something just a little bit near to being worthyof the honor of being owned by Jim. There was a pier-glass between the windows of the room.Perhaps you have seen a pier-glass in an $8 flat. A very thin and very agile person may, by observing his reflection in arapid sequence of longitudinal strips, obtain a fairlyaccurate conception of his looks. Della, being slender, hadmastered the art. Suddenly she whirled from the window and stood beforethe glass. her eyes were shining brilliantly, but her facehad lost its color within twenty seconds. Rapidly she pulleddown her hair and let it fall to its full length. Now, there were two possessions of the James DillinghamYoungs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim'sgold watch that had been his father's and his grandfather's.The other was Della's hair. Had the queen of Sheba lived inthe flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hairhang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty's jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been thejanitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement,Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed,just to see him pluck at his beard from envy. So now Della's beautiful hair fell about her ripplingand shining like a cascade of brown waters. It reached belowher knee and made itself almost a garment for her. And thenshe did it up again nervously and quickly. Once she falteredfor a minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed onthe worn red carpet. On went her old brown jacket; on went her old brownhat. With a whirl of skirts and with the brilliant sparklestill in her eyes, she fluttered out the door and down thestairs to the street. Where she stopped the sign read: "Mne. Sofronie. HairGoods of All Kinds." One flight up Della ran, and collectedherself, panting. Madame, large, too white, chilly, hardlylooked the "Sofronie." "Will you buy my hair?" asked Della. "I buy hair," said Madame. "Take yer hat off and let'shave a sight at the looks of it." Down rippled the brown cascade. "Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the mass with apractised hand. "Give it to me quick," said Della. Oh, and the next two hours tripped by on rosy wings.Forget the hashed metaphor. She was ransacking the storesfor Jim's present. She found it at last. It surely had been made for Jimand no one else. There was no other like it in any of thestores, and she had turned all of them inside out. It was aplatinum fob chain simple and chaste in design, properlyproclaiming its value by substance alone and not by meretriciousornamentation--as all good things should do. Itwas even worthy of The Watch. As soon as she saw it she knewthat it must be Jim's. It was like him. Quietness andvalue--the description applied to both. Twenty-one dollarsthey took from her for it, and she hurried home with the 87cents. With that chain on his watch Jim might be properlyanxious about the time in any company. Grand as the watchwas, he sometimes looked at it on the sly on account of theold leather strap that he used in place of a chain. When Della reached home her intoxication gave way alittle to prudence and reason. She got out her curling ironsand lighted the gas and went to work repairing the ravagesmade by generosity added to love. Which is always atremendous task, dear friends--a mammoth task. Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny,close-lying curls that made her look wonderfully like a truantschoolboy. She looked at her reflection in the mirrorlong, carefully, and critically. "If Jim doesn't kill me," she said to herself, "beforehe takes a second look at me, he'll say I look like a ConeyIsland chorus girl. But what could I do--oh! what could Ido with a dollar and eighty- seven cents?" At 7 o'clock the coffee was made and the frying-pan wason the back of the stove hot and ready to cook the chops. Jim was never late. Della doubled the fob chain in herhand and sat on the corner of the table near the door thathe always entered. Then she heard his step on the stair away down on the first flight, and sheturned white for just a moment. She had a habit for sayinglittle silent prayer about the simplest everyday things, andnow she whispered: "Please God, make him think I am stillpretty." The door opened and Jim stepped in and closed it. Helooked thin and very serious. Poor fellow, he was onlytwenty-two--and to be burdened with a family! He needed anew overcoat and he was without gloves. Jim stopped inside the door, as immovable as a setterat the scent of quail. His eyes were fixed upon Della, andthere was an expression in them that she could not read, andit terrified her. It was not anger, nor surprise, nordisapproval, nor horror, nor any of the sentiments that shehad been prepared for. He simply stared at her fixedly withthat peculiar expression on his face. Della wriggled off the table and went for him. "Jim, darling," she cried, "don't look at me that way.I had my hair cut off and sold because I couldn't have livedthrough Christmas without giving you a present. It'll growout again--you won't mind, will you? I just had to do it. Myhair grows awfully fast. Say `Merry Christmas!' Jim, andlet's be happy. You don't know what a nice-- what abeautiful, nice gift I've got for you." "You've cut off your hair?" asked Jim, laboriously, asif he had not arrived at that patent fact yet even after thehardest mental labor. "Cut it off and sold it," said Della. "Don't you likeme just as well, anyhow? I'm me without my hair, ain't I?" Jim looked about the room curiously. "You say your hair is gone?" he said, with an airalmost of idiocy. "You needn't look for it," said Della. "It's sold, Itell you--sold and gone, too. It's Christmas Eve, boy. Begood to me, for it went for you. Maybe the hairs of my headwere numbered," she went on with sudden serious sweetness,"but nobody could ever count my love for you. Shall I putthe chops on, Jim?" Out of his trance Jim seemed quickly to wake. Heenfolded his Della. For ten seconds let us regard withdiscreet scrutiny some inconsequential object in the otherdirection. Eight dollars a week or a million a year--what isthe difference? A mathematician or a wit would give you thewrong answer. The magi brought valuable gifts, but that wasnot among them. This dark assertion will be illuminatedlater on. Jim drew a package from his overcoat pocket and threwit upon the table. "Don't make any mistake, Dell," he said, "about me. Idon't think there's anything in the way of a haircut or ashave or a shampoo that could make me like my girl any less.But if you'll unwrap that package you may see why you had megoing a while at first." White fingers and nimble tore at the string and paper.And then an ecstatic scream of joy; and then, alas! a quickfeminine change to hysterical tears and wails, necessitatingthe immediate employment of all the comforting powers of thelord of the flat. For there lay The Combs--the set of combs, side andback, that Della had worshipped long in a Broadway window.Beautiful combs, pure tortoise shell, with jewelledrims--just the shade to wear in the beautiful vanished hair.They were expensive combs, she knew, and her heart hadsimply craved and yearned over them without the least hopeof possession. And now, they were hers, but the tresses thatshould have adorned the coveted adornments were gone. But she hugged them to her bosom, and at length she wasable to look up with dim eyes and a smile and say: "My hairgrows so fast, Jim!" And them Della leaped up like a little singed cat andcried, "Oh, oh!" Jim had not yet seen his beautiful present. She held itout to him eagerly upon her open palm. The dull preciousmetal seemed to flash with a reflection of her bright andardent spirit. "Isn't it a dandy, Jim? I hunted all over town to findit. You'll have to look at the time a hundred times a daynow. Give me your watch. I want to see how it looks on it." Instead of obeying, Jim tumbled down on the couch andput his hands under the back of his head and smiled. "Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents awayand keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just atpresent. I sold the watch to get the money to buy yourcombs. And now suppose you put the chops on." The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wisemen--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. Theyinvented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise,their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing theprivilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here Ihave lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of twofoolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed foreach other the greatest treasures of their house. But in alast word to the wise of these days let it be said that ofall who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who giveand receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere theyare wisest. They are the magi. Return to Christmas Poems and Stories Hypertext format ©1996 Rosemary (Rosie) Winters rosiec@night.net . All rights reserved.