According to the annual Christmas Price Index compiled by PNC Wealth Management, which compiles the cost of the dozen items mentioned in ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ song, the price tag for said items now comes to $86,609. That’s a steep price to pay in these difficult economic times.
Sure, two turtle doves only cost $55 but ten lords a leaping comes in at a hefty $4,414, according to PNC. While the price of a partridge costs a mere $5 to $20, the pear tree will set you back as much as $200.
In light of these recessionary times, you might want to consider some tasty alternatives to the literal gifts from the song’s lyrics. We offer some suggestions.
A Partridge in a Pear Tree: $219.99
Alternative: How about a CD, A Partridge Family Christmas Card
Two Turtle Doves: $55.00
Alternative: A box of Dove chocolates wrapped in your choice of foil color with your own personal message inside.
Three French Hens: $30.00
Alternative: 3 Tyson Cornish Game Hens. No plucking required!
Four Calling Birds: $599
Alternative: 4 packages of Birds Eye frozen vegetables, along with another CD: The Byrds Greatest Hits.
Five Golden Rings: $69.99
Alternative: Fix him/her dinner and include five onion rings, fried up golden and crispy.
Six Geese a Laying: $240
Alternative: Nobody really wants a flock of geese laying you know what all over the backyard. Instead, give your true love a box of Chocolate Goose Eggs from Hometown Favorites.
Seven Swans a Swimming: $5,600.00
Alternative: A “Magnificant 7 Chocolate Cake from Schwan’s”: This luscious 7-pound cake can be purchased online.
Eight Maids a Milking: $52.40
Alternative: While the milking maids are a bargain, you can still save a bundle if you present your true love with 8 quarts of Minute Maid fruit juices.
Nine Ladies Dancing: $4,759.19
Alternative: Whip up some chocolate Ladyfingers. Here’s a recipe.
Ten Lords a Leaping: $4,413.61
Alternative: Perhaps a DVD: Lord of the Dance
Eleven Pipers Piping: $2,284.80
Alternative: Piping hot Hot Pockets purchased at Seven-Eleven? (OK, that one’s a reach.)
Twelve Drummers Drumming: $2,475.00
Alternative: A lovely dinner of a dozen Buffalo Hot Wings from Tyson, drummies only.
We’re quite sure the total cost of this delicious dozen will come in WAY under 86 Grand. And here’s hoping you won’t have to hear the song too many times this holiday season.