How Much Does the 12 Days of Christmas Cost?
Uncover the true financial cost of all the gifts in the 12 Days of Christmas song. See the real price tag of this festive tradition.
The carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” inspires an annual economic analysis tracking the real-world cost of its gifts. This examination offers insights into how market forces influence prices over time.
Understanding the Christmas Price Index
PNC Bank compiles the Christmas Price Index (CPI) each year as an economic indicator. This index tracks the current cost of all the gifts mentioned in the song, providing a perspective on inflation and market trends. It functions similarly to the U.S. Consumer Price Index, which measures changes in the prices of typical consumer goods and services.
The Cost of Each Gift
In 2024, acquiring a single set of each of the twelve gifts from the song amounted to $49,263.47. The cost of a Partridge in a Pear Tree reached $370.18, with the pear tree component seeing a notable increase. Two Turtle Doves remained priced at $750.00. Three French Hens cost $346.50.
Four Calling Birds maintained their 2023 price at $599.96. Five Gold Rings were stable at $1,245.00 for the second consecutive year. Six Geese-A-Laying saw their price rise to $1,500.00, reflecting a significant growth streak. Seven Swans-A-Swimming held steady at $13,125.00, remaining one of the most expensive individual items.
Eight Maids-A-Milking continued at $58.00, a price point that has not changed since 2009, reflecting the consistent federal minimum wage. Nine Ladies Dancing cost $8,557.37, experiencing a modest price increase. Ten Lords-A-Leaping were recorded at $15,579.65, solidifying their position as the most expensive gift in the index. Eleven Pipers Piping and Twelve Drummers Drumming both saw substantial increases, priced at $3,714.96 and $4,016.85 respectively, indicating rising labor costs in the entertainment sector.
Calculating the Grand Total
The “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol features a cumulative pattern where each gift is repeated on subsequent days. By the twelfth day, the recipient has a total of 364 items, accounting for all repetitions. For example, the true love receives one partridge in a pear tree on the first day, then another on the second day along with two turtle doves, and so on. This cumulative effect significantly amplifies the overall expenditure.
This method provides a comprehensive total for all the gifts as they accumulate throughout the song’s verses. In 2024, this grand total reached $209,272. This figure represents the complete financial commitment for a true love to fulfill all the song’s verses. The total reflects a 3.6% increase from the previous year.
What Drives the Annual Price Changes
The annual fluctuations in the Christmas Price Index are influenced by several economic factors. General inflation plays a role, as the cost of goods and services across the economy impacts the prices of these specific items. Supply and demand dynamics are also significant, particularly for items with limited availability like exotic birds or specialized performers. For instance, the price of the pear tree, which saw a considerable increase in 2024, is often viewed as a proxy for housing costs.
Labor costs, especially for the performing arts such as dancers, pipers, and drummers, are a substantial driver of price changes. In 2024, prices for performers collectively increased by 7.9%, reflecting broader trends in wage growth within the service industry. Changes in market prices for commodities like precious metals can affect items such as the gold rings. Furthermore, factors like fuel costs and shipping expenses contribute to the overall cost, particularly for items that require specialized transport or online delivery. These elements combine to create the year-to-year variations observed in the index.