Vocabulary
Word:
Definition:
Word:
Definition:
BEGIN
DAY 3
Inferential: Why do you think Jim stares at Della’s short hair?
Her short hair means she doesn’t need the combs he bought.
reaction
the look or feeling
someone has after
something
happens
fainted
suddenly passed
out
4 The Gift of the Magi
Generate Questions
Della knew of a store that bought hair and made it into
wigs. She already had $1.87. She needed only twenty
dollars more. “That will be just enough to buy that
twenty-one-dollar chain for Jim,” Della told herself. She
walked into the store feeling proud. An hour later she
came out with $21.87 in her pocket and very short hair.
An hour after that she was back at home with eighty-
seven cents and a wonderful gift for her husband. Della
was worried about what Jim would think about her new
haircut. But mostly she was happy she had a special
Christmas gift to give him.
Della waited anxiously for Jim to arrive home. When
she heard the doorknob turn, she was excited. But when
Jim saw his wife’s short hair, all he could do was stare.
He looked like he had just been punched in the stomach.
“It will grow back fast,” Della quickly told Jim. She did
not know what he was thinking. “I’m sorry if you don’t like
it, but I did it for you.”
Jim finally snapped out of his trance. He told Della she
looked beautiful, no matter what. Then he gave her a kiss
on the cheek for comfort. “Forgive me for staring,” Jim
said. “You will understand my reaction when you open
your gift.” He handed Della a small box with a bow.