There are many themes in the short story, "Gift of the Magi." For example, love, sacrifice, and generosity are all important themes. However, if I had to pick the central theme and my favorite, I would pick the idea of self-forgetfulness.
Both Jim and Della are thinking about each other, instead of themselves. The proof of this is their desire to get gifts for one another by selling what is most valuable to them.
Della sells her hair for Jim. She wants to buy him a chain for his watch. Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della's flowing hair. Of course, in the end they possess gifts that they cannot use, but in the process they forget about themselves. They learn the true meaning of Christmas - giving, generosity, and sacrifice. For this reason, they are wise.
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