The True Cost of the "Twelve Days of Christmas"

Chart of the Week for December 11 - December 17, 2009

Since 1984, PNC Wealth Management ("PNC") has charted the cost of the goods and services given as gifts in the classic "Twelve Days of Christmas" holiday song. This year, it would cost $87,403 to give all of the gifts detailed in the verses of the song, including repetitions. This is an increase of only 0.9% over the 2008 cost, reflecting this year's broader economic trend of minimal inflation. Perhaps this is a sign that it's a good time to buy those Six Geese-a-Laying for your someone special.

The price of Three French Hens increased by the highest percentage of all the gifts, rising 50% to $15 per hen. The price of Five Golden Rings increased by 43% to just under $100 per ring. Gold prices have increased dramatically over the past year. The cost of a Partridge in a Pear Tree partially offset these increases by falling 28% since 2008. The price of a partridge fell 50% to $10, while the price of a pear tree fell 25% to about $150. Several of the gifts cost the same as they did in 2008, including the Lords-a-Leaping, Pipers Piping, and Drummers Drumming.

Happy Holidays!

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