I have my share of Christmas traditions. They include a tabletop tree, gift buying, and Christmas cookies.

Another tradition involves something I read. Each year I read the O’Henry short story The Gift of the Magi. It’s been one of my favorite short stories since childhood.

The Gift of the Magi is about a couple named Jim and Della, who live in a New York City apartment and struggle to keep up with the cost of living.

Della did everything she could to save up for a nice Christmas present for her husband. All she managed to save was a dollar and 87 cents. Even in their day, that wouldn’t buy much for a gift.

They had two prized possessions. One was Jim’s pocket watch that he inherited from his father and grandfather. The other was Della’s long hair.

Della decided to sell her hair to buy a watch fob to go with the watch. Unfortunately Jim sold his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair. They made the best of it. Della pointed out that her hair would grow back.

I’ve always liked The Gift of the Magi because it shows what Christmas is really all about. They were totally unselfish. They were willing to sacrifice in order to do something special for someone they loved.

They had the same experience that millions of people with limited financial resources go through every December.

Statistics show that the average person spends almost $900 each year on Christmas gifts. That’s a huge amount of money. It seems excessive.

You’d think a goal should be to find gifts that are inexpensive but thoughtful, gifts that will mean something even though they aren’t high priced.

Instead people choose to spend money. They want to please loved ones. They’re willing to sacrifice financially in order to give something substantial.

Unfortunately, research also shows that many of the gifts get returned. About 40 percent of the population returns at least one gift.

I think that’s bad. If someone puts thought into a gift, especially if it has a high financial value, the recipient should keep it and hopefully use it.

There’s something special about a present. It’s fun to shop around, to find the right gift for each person on our lists. Giving out gift cards isn’t as special. It’s more thoughtful to buy something for someone.

Jim and Della are examples of the joy of gift giving. O’Henry compares them to the Magi, the wise men who brought gifts for Baby Jesus.

They started a tradition that’s carried on for many centuries. My parents made sure I experienced it. We always had a huge amount of gifts under the Christmas in our living room on Marguerite Avenue in Marshall.

Now I buy just two gifts, one for my mother and one for my sister and her family. I thought of a good locally based gift shop this year, where I found things I think they’ll enjoy.

It’s fun to give and it’s fun to receive. The process helps to sustain our 21st century economy. Even with the economic impact there’s still a personal side. It still produces many special memories.

I remember getting a train set, Star Trek action figures and many other toys. This year I enjoyed getting a nice pair of pajamas, dress pants, a shirt and pullover and a set of national park collector postcards.

Everyone should get at least one Christmas gift. It’s good that we have the Heart to Heart program in Marshall, which ensures that people who have a need can still experience the joy of Christmas presents.

Gift giving is time honored. It’s special for people at any age. It’s one of the things that call to mind the true meaning of the holiday season.

— Jim Muchlinski is a longtime reporter and contributor to the Marshall Independent