The Gift of the Magi, by O. edgarblythe

My first wife didn't get many gifts from me; certainly no expensive ones. I felt too disappointed in her as a person. I won't tear into her character any more than that, and you can take it with a grain of salt, since she's not here to defend herself. She was first in line for the goodies at Christmas time. I don't recall any of the gifts I bought for her, but there always were some. Together we produced two beautiful children. Then we divorced. She married a man who had three sons by her. Somewhere in the middle of it, she became a Jehovah's Witness. As Christmas approached that year, our children were informed that Christmas is not Jesus' birthday; therefore she would not celebrate anymore or buy any presents. My kids asked me, and I told them, "No, it's not his birthday. But, if you find an orphan whose birthday is unknown, you select a day to celebrate anyway. They chose December 25th, which is as good a day as any. She is wrong, but we have to go along with her."

My second wife and I almost always opt for the modest. We have never bought into debt for Christmas gifts, even with four children. People who say the commercialism is what turns them off don't have to spend all that to have a good holiday. A few times I have splurged on impulse, but it was a special effort, something not required. My favorite alltime gift to my wife came on our 25th anniversary. Our kids gave us a large party. I bought a nice four slice toaster and hid an anniversary ring in the packing. I fooled her good that night.
Sometimes, when money is tighter than normal, we skip gifts altogether. Togetherness is more important to us than that kind of stuff.