Thursday, December 1, 2011

It's The Economy Stupid: Cost of Christmas Up This Year

I will be out of the office on Friday, December 2nd.

In my absence enjoy this economic report on the higher cost of Christmas gifts.
<http://businessreport.com/article/20111201/BUSINESSREPORT0112/111209998/-1/daily-reportAM>
12 days of Christmas getting ever more costly

Your true love is going to have to dig a little deeper this year to afford all those French hens, golden rings, maids a-milking and swans a-swimming. According to the 28th annual "True Cost of Christmas" index from PNC Wealth Management, the cost of purchasing all the gifts in the classic carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" will be $101,119.84 this year—the highest total ever. Based on prices of the 364 items listed from jewelry stores, dance companies, pet retailers and various organizations, the index is up 4.4% this year. Birds account for the steepest price hikes. The cost of seven swans soared $700—or 12.5%—to $6,300, representing the largest dollar increase of all the song's named gifts. At $15, a partridge is 14.2% more expensive this year than it was in 2010. The two turtle doves cost $125, a 25% increase due to the rising cost of feed and availability. The cost of French hens held steady, however, as did the minimum wage for maids a-milking, ladies dancing and lords a-leaping. Entertainment fees for pipers piping and drummers drumming were up modestly.

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