ACTUAL COSTS OF THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
As part of its annual tradition, PNC Wealth Management also tabulates the "True Cost of Christmas," which is the total cost of items gifted by a True Love who repeats all of the song's verses. This holiday season, very generous True Loves will pay more than ever before -- $75,122 -- for all 364 items, up from $72,608 in 2005. This 3.5% increase is substantially less than last year's 9.5% increase. Kleintop observed that Christmas Price Index inflation may reflect trends that led the Federal Reserve to pause interest rate hikes this year.
PNC Christmas Price Index Item 2005 2006 % change
One partridge
2005 $15
2006 $15
Rate flat
Pear tree
2005 $89.99
2006 $129.99
Rate 44.40%
Two turtle doves
2005 $40
2006 $40
Rate flat
Three French hens
2005 $45
2006 $45
Rate flat
Four calling birds
2005 $399.96
2006 $479.96
Rate 20.00%
Five gold rings
2005 $325
2006 $325
Rate flat
Six geese a-laying
2005 $300
2006 $300
Rate flat
Seven swans a-swimming
2005 $4,200
2006 $4,200
Rate flat
Eight maids a-milking
2005 $41.20
2006 $41.20
Rate flat
Nine ladies dancing
2005 $4,576.14
2006 $4,759.19
Rate 4.00%
10 lords a-leaping
2005 $4,039.08
2006 $4,160.25
Rate 3.00%
11 pipers piping
$2,053.20
$2,124
3.40%
12 drummers drumming
2005 $2,224.30
2006 $2,301
Rate 3.40%
Total Christmas Price Index
2005 $18,348.87
2006 $18,920.59
Rate 3.10%
