According to the PNC Christmas Price Index (CPI), the cost of lavishing your true love with over-the-top presents for 12-straight days has gone up this year, due to a gaggle of reasons.
For the past 35 years, PNC has figured out the dollar amount required to purchase all of the gifts mentioned in the classic Christmas carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The result is “a unique and whimsical holiday tradition that makes learning about the economy fun.” In fact, they include DIY crafts, an activity book and a stock market game lesson plan for educators.
According to the 2018 CPI, it would cost you $39,094.93 (more than a song and dance) to purchase all of the items in “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” That is a $450, or 1.2 percent, increase from last year. The Consumer Price Index, for comparison, went up 2.5 percent during an equal time period.
The largest price increase in the CPI this year was for the six geese (up $390 or 8.3%). Pipers flouted labor trends by earning a 3.5% increase in wages, while drummers kept pace in equal measure. In addition, the cost of hiring ten acrobatic noblemen leapt 3%. Turtle Doves, French Hens, Calling Birds and Swans might be in fowl mood this year, as their value remained unchanged.
The main product tarnishing the CPI this year were the five golden rings, which were down 9.1%—good news for those hoping to surprise their sweethearts with shiny new jewelry this holiday season.
Those in DeKalb County, Illinois might find their CPI more reasonable, due to the abundance of livestock, dancers and musicians (see: Beth Fowler School of Dance and NIU College of Visual and Performing Arts).
2018 PNC Christmas Price Index (PRNewsfoto/PNC Financial Services Group)
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