The Cost of the 12 Days of Christmas Up 4.1%

by Sandy Maple (RSS feed)
Nov 26th 2007 at 4:03PM

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.

Gallery: Twelve Days of Christmas

Tags: 12 days of christmas, 12DaysOfChristmas, christmas gifts, christmas ornaments, ChristmasGifts, ChristmasOrnaments, holidash, holiday shopping, HolidayShopping

Filed under: Holiday Guides

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Robert Nov 27th 2007 5:49PM

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.

daisy Nov 27th 2007 4:35PM

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.

Bob Nov 27th 2007 4:45PM

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.

PAT Nov 27th 2007 5:17PM

JUST BOYCOTT THE "HOLIDAYS FOR 10 YEARS STRAIGHT AND SEE THE PRICE COME DOWN............

david e clark Nov 27th 2007 7:04PM

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.

Annette Nov 27th 2007 7:19PM

xmas can be expensive check out my website for some great deals...... www.my.tupperware.com/Rao.... Happy Holidays to all...

PowerMall Nov 27th 2007 7:25PM

If you really want to save time and money shop here:
http://www.mypowermall.com/Biz/Home/84368

Samantha Nov 27th 2007 7:58PM

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!!

Neece Nov 27th 2007 9:16PM

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?

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