10 Lords-a-Leaping Named the Most Expensive Item in This Year’s Christmas Index
The Rising Cost of a Classic Christmas Tune
The beloved holiday carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” has delighted listeners for generations. From its roots in 18th-century England to modern-day parodies like Bob Rivers’ “Twelve Pains of Christmas,” the song remains a staple of the festive season. However, beyond its catchy lyrics, it has also become an unconventional way to track inflation over the years.
Financial institutions, such as PNC Bank, annually estimate the cost of the song’s gifts—from twelve drummers drumming to a partridge in a pear tree—to determine how rising prices impact the economy. In 2024, PNC’s Christmas Price Index (CPI) recorded a 5.4% increase from last year, bringing the total cost of gifting every item in the carol to nearly $50,000.
Breaking Down the Costs: What’s Driving the Increase?
12 Drummers Drumming
Wage inflation played a significant role in raising the cost of hiring a twelve-piece drum corps this year. PNC estimates the expense at $4,017, reflecting a 15.6% increase from 2023. Independent rates for drummers range between $250 and $500 per hour, meaning a two-hour performance could easily push the cost above $4,500, plus gratuity.
11 Pipers Piping
Similar to drummers, eleven pipers saw a 15.6% price hike, now totaling $3,715. Their per-hour cost remains comparable to drummers, influenced by demand for musicians during the holiday season.
10 Lords-a-Leaping – The Most Expensive Item
The most costly gift in the 2024 Christmas Index is ten lords-a-leaping, priced at a whopping $15,579.65—a 7.2% increase from last year. Whether hiring professional dancers or elite performers, this item tops the list as the priciest performance-based service.
9 Ladies Dancing
The cost of hiring a dance troupe for a holiday event varies widely, with rates ranging between $200 and $400 for a 30-minute set. PNC’s official estimate for nine ladies dancing is $8,557, reflecting a 3% increase from last year.
8 Maids-a-Milking
Milk prices have been on the rise, with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reporting an average gallon of whole milk at $4.14, up from $4.00 in 2023. However, hiring eight milkmaids remains steady at $58, unchanged from last year.
7 Swans-a-Swimming
Swans remain a luxury gift, with Midwest swan farms pricing each bird at $400. The total cost for seven swans exceeds $13,000, holding steady from 2023.
6 Geese-a-Laying
The price of live geese varies widely, with online listings averaging $40 per bird. However, PNC places the cost of six geese at $900, marking a 15% rise from last year.
5 Gold Rings
Gold prices have soared, with futures hovering around $2,600 per ounce. PNC estimates the price of five gold rings at $1,245, though actual costs may vary depending on size, carat weight, and craftsmanship.
4 Calling Birds
Historically, “calling birds” were known as “colly birds,” referring to blackbirds. The price of a live blackbird ranges from $150 to $225, with four birds totaling $600—unchanged from last year.
3 French Hens
The French Bresse hen, renowned for its gourmet quality, remains one of the most expensive chickens in the world. PNC estimates the cost of three hens at $347, marking a 5% increase from 2023.
2 Turtledoves
Turtledoves, a traditional symbol of love and friendship, remain highly valued in holiday lore. PNC places the cost of two doves at $750, though conservation concerns have impacted availability.
1 A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The combined cost of a partridge and a pear tree has risen to $160, as tree prices increased while the cost of a partridge remained stable. Home Depot currently lists Bartlett pear trees at approximately $58.
Inflation’s Impact on the 12 Days of Christmas
Since 1984, the cost of the Christmas Index has skyrocketed by 133%, with inflation-driven increases affecting everything from hired performers to precious metals. PNC’s Amanda Agati notes that lingering inflationary effects from the pandemic era continue to influence pricing trends.
The True Cost of All 364 Gifts
For those ambitious enough to purchase every gift in the song’s cumulative structure, the total cost in 2024 reaches $209,272, reflecting a 3.6% rise from 2023. Online shopping tends to drive up the price further due to shipping and handling fees.
Source: FOX News
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