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'Twelve Days of Christmas' items would cost $86,609
- Dec 2, 2008 at 3:31 PM
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'Twelve Days of Christmas' items would cost $86,609
PITTSBURGH -- Given the economic downturn, even the most romantic might balk at the $86,609 price tag for the items in the carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
That's this year's cost, according to the annual "Christmas Price Index" compiled by PNC Financial Services Group Inc., which tallies the single partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as the song suggests.
The price is up $8,508 or 10.9 percent, from $78,100 last year.
"True loves may take it on the chin for a peck on the cheek," said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investment for PNC Wealth Management, which has been calculating the cost of Christmas since 1984.
In this tight economy, what's a romantic to do?
The creative but cash-strapped consumer might consider some modifications. After all, who needs dozens of birds?
Instead of two turtle doves ($55), why not two Dove chocolate bars at about a buck each?
Don't have $4,414 for 10 lords-a-leaping? How about a "Riverdance" DVD? Plenty of leaping there, and it's only about $25 on Amazon.com.
Save a couple of grand by skipping the 11 pipers piping and getting a CD of Scottish bagpipe music for less than $20.
"Necessity is the mother of invention," Dunigan said. "So this year, it might pay to be a little more inventive."
Gold rings are down about 11 percent, from $395 last year to $350, the result of pressures on discretionary spending, Dunigan said.
PNC checks jewelry stores, dance companies, pet stores and other sources to compile the list. While it is done humorously, the company said its index mirrors actual economic trends.
Luxury items are up, as reflected by the price of the seven swans-a-swimming, which are up 33 percent to $5,600.
But the faltering economy has also brought down the cost of some items. The three French hens (down $15 to $30) and six geese-a-laying (down $120 to $240) reflect declines in food prices.
The eight maids-a-milking will cost 12 percent more -- $52.40 from about $47 last year -- thanks to their second annual minimum wage increase. The 10 lords-a-leaping, 11 pipers piping and 12 drummers drumming are all up about 3 percent, reflecting the general average wage increase.
Comments:
I love that they give low-cost alternatives for the traditional items. I could go for a coupla those Dove bars right about now...
My husband can skip this list except for the gold rings...and Dove bars!
good post! it makes some really good points...
ever see the commercial of the husband riverdancing while the family was away and they walked in on him? omg, it's hilarious...i think it's a floor commerical. remind me to find it for ya ;)
I'll take the 2 Dove bars, please. You can keep the men in tights.
*nom*
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I'll take that scottish bagpipe music, but I'll pass on the riverdance dvd.....and 6 geese a laying? Are they laying on a serving dish? Cause then I might consider it!
Very funny, yet kind of sad all at the same time.
- Moomie
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