Early 1900s: In most married couples, the husband works and the wife stays home. Only one-third of the workforce is women.

Today: Women represent 40 percent of the workforce, and two-income families are common.

Early 1900s: Fewer than half of the families in America-46 percent-own their own homes.

Today: Home ownership extends to 64 percent of all families.

Early 1900s: Average annual income is $700, with an average work week of 53 hours.

Today: Average annual income is $31,000, with an average work week of 40 hours.

O. Henry did not allude to the current events of his day in "The Gift of the Magi " or in many of his other stories. This may have been because his characters were mainly working-class people, too involved with getting along in their day-to-day lives to pay much attention to international or even national events that did not affect them directly and immediately...