Every year since 1984, the clever folks at PNC Wealth Management figure out just how much it would cost to present one's true love with the items mentioned in the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. While the list is intended to be humorous, PNC claims the tally does mirror actual economic trends.This year's grand total, from a partridge in a pear tree to 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as indicated in the song, is $78,100. The total for those 364 items is up 4% from last year. If you choose to shop online, the price is quite a bit more - $128,886.
The hike in minimum wage is to blame for some of the increase over last year. Those eight maids a milking now fetch $47 compared to $41 last year. That only seems fair since the ladies haven't had a wage increase since 1997. Higher food and gold costs are also reflected in the increased total. But not every item has gone up over last year. The cost for partridges, turtle doves and French hens has remained steady over the past year as have swans and ladies dancing.
Our own version of the 12 Days of Christmas can be had for far less money and requires absolutely no care and feeding.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-27-2007 @ 4:35PM
daisy said...
I hate shopping this time of year. I shop online and can wear my
pj's, not use gas and a lot of times not pay taxes!
I buy most of my stuff at an online shopping
mall that gives me between 5-55% back in cash on all my purchases.
There are over 1000 stores including Sephora, Apple, The Gap, Target
(great for soo much), Macy's. I also wait for sales so I get my cash
back and the lowest price
http://www.dailyoink.com The site is ugly, but well worth it.
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11-27-2007 @ 4:45PM
Bob said...
What a great song for a childrens choir to see, or a group of people it brings in the cheer for the holidays. http://www.worldclassskate.com
Skate with Brakes.
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11-27-2007 @ 5:17PM
PAT said...
JUST BOYCOTT THE "HOLIDAYS FOR 10 YEARS STRAIGHT AND SEE THE PRICE COME DOWN............
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11-27-2007 @ 5:49PM
Robert said...
WHY DO PEOPLE ACTUALLY TRACK THE COST OF SUCH ABSURD THINGS? I SUPPOSE IT DOES KEEP SOMEONE EMPLOYED BUT LET'S FACE IT, I DOUBT THERE IS MUCH CALL FOR NINE MAIDS A MILKING THESE DAYS.
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11-27-2007 @ 7:04PM
david e clark said...
The people who spend too much at Christmas choose to and they are idiots. They live in a "Well I have to because everyone else does" world. A hug, the smiles on your children's/nieces/nephews faces, spending time with them, lending an ear, giving advice...these thing's don't cost anything and they are the most preacious gifts. Problem is, youse morons have to put your cell phones and credit cards down to do it.
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11-27-2007 @ 7:19PM
Annette said...
xmas can be expensive check out my website for some great deals...... www.my.tupperware.com/Rao.... Happy Holidays to all...
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11-27-2007 @ 7:25PM
PowerMall said...
If you really want to save time and money shop here:
http://www.mypowermall.com/Biz/Home/84368
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11-27-2007 @ 7:58PM
Samantha said...
Calm down people. They were kidding... It is true but they were trying to be FUNNY! I know what I am about to say doesnt sound right but the article was more of a rhetorical statement.... They really didnt mean for you to contemplate this to such an extent... Just leave it alone. IT WAS SOMETHING TO MAKE U LAUGH!!
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11-27-2007 @ 9:16PM
Neece said...
I love this list, it's so irrelevant in a way, but does show, in a light hearted manner, economic trends. I'm glad they keep up the tradition. I find it interesting that online shopping is so much more expensive. I would think it would be less expensive?
http://www.authenticindulgences.com/
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