"The Gift of the Magi" is a short story about love, selflessness, sacrifices and struggles. Della and James are a young married couple who want to surprise each other with a secret gift for Christmas. Unfortunately, neither of them has much money yet still they each hope they'll manage to buy something in time and that it will be appreciated. "The Last Leaf" tells us the story of poor Johnsy, who is so sick that her days are counted. She lives in an ivy-covered house and she is convinced that by the time the last ivy leaf will fall she die as well. Behrman, Johnsy's neighbor, who is also an artist, is determined to keep Johnsy's spirit up. How will he convince her to keep fighting for her life? Will she survive after all?