Cost To Buy All '12 Days Of Christmas' Gifts In U.S. Hits Record High

ACROSS AMERICA — If you want to purchase everything mentioned in the immortal holiday carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," it's going to cost you considerably more than it did in 2021. That's according to Pittsburgh-based banking and financial services firm PNC, which has released its 39th annual Christmas Price Index.

True loves will need to come up with a record $45,523 to buy those 12 gifts this year, according to Amanda Agati,chief investment officer for PNC Asset Management Group, said in a statement. The index is up 10.5 percent over 2021, the third highest annual increase in the history of the lighthearted holiday exercise.

"This is a disquieting development for many, as pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and elevated energy and commodity prices continue to impact the cost of goods and services," Agati said. "Despite True Loves' generous intentions, the gifts that make up the PNC CPI are not well-insulated from what is being experienced across the broader economy."

If you're wondering why the Christmas Price Index is sky high this year, blame the birds who fly in it. The cost of turtle doves, French hens and geese were up 20.1 percent.

Those five golden rings have skyrocketed in price as well. Gold ring prices are up a mind-boggling 39 percent from 2021, reflecting the overall surge in the precious metal's price during the year.

Also, the cost of post-pandemic live entertainment has increased. The was an aggregate increase of 14.6 percent for performers this year, significantly boosting the cost to hire nine ladies dancing, 10 lords-a-leaping, 11 pipers piping and 12 drummers drumming.

Blameless in the huge jump in the Christmas Price Index are the eight maids-a-milking. Although many state and municipalities have raised minimum wages in recent years, the federal minimum wage hasn't increased since 2009. The poor maids haven't seen a pay raise in more than a decade.

Click here to see the cost of all 12 gifts.