I've always been fascinated with the 12 Days of Christmas. Maybe I'm just greedy, and the thought of all those presents was appealing? I'm not sure what the fascination is, but if I was going to collect anything, it would be things with this theme. Since I'm not a collector, I'll just enjoy some of my favorite 12 Days memorabilia.
This item is one of my all time favorites. I send this beautiful card, designed by Jacquie Lawson, regularly. You can watch it again and again by clicking here:
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1620943231020&source=jl999
When I was growing up, in Utah, every year the Salt Lake Tribune would run an article about the actual cost of the gifts contained in the 12 Days of Christmas song. When I began following this article in about 1968, the cost was around Ten Thousand. At the time, it was a staggering amount!Today, "12 days' gifts would cost $86,609"(by Dan Nephin, Associated Press)
"Given the economic downturn, even the most romantic might balk at the $86,609 price tag for the items in the carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
That's this year's cost, according to the annual Christmas Price Index compiled by PNC Wealth Management, which tallies the single partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as the song suggests. The price is up $8,508 or 10.9 percent, from $78,100 last year.
"True loves may take it on the chin for a peck on the cheek," said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investment for PNC Wealth Management, which has been calculating the cost of Christmas since 1984.
In this tight economy, what's a romantic to do?The creative but cash-strapped shopper might consider some modifications. After all, who needs dozens of birds?
Instead of two turtle doves ($55) why not two Dove chocolate bars at about buck each? Don't have $4,414 for 10 lords-a-leaping? How about a "Riverdance" DVD? Plenty of leaping there, and it's only about $25 on Amazon.com. 
Save a couple grand by skipping the 11 pipers piping and getting a CD of Scottish bagpipe music for less than $20."The price of creativity, I think, has to be measured against the value of true love," said Dunigan. "Necessity is the mother of invention. So this year, it might pay to be a little more inventive."While some sources suggest the gold rings actually refer to ring-neck pheasants - apparently, all the birds were for feasting - Dunigan advises sticking with jewelry.
"At least my experience, if you had to lead with something, gold rings probably wouldn't be a bad idea," he said.They are down about 11 percent, from $395 last year to $350, Dunigan said.But sticklers for tradition might also save by procrastinating. With the economy in its first consumer-led recession since the early 1980s and energy prices falling as of late, prices could come down between now and Christmas, he said.
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. checks jewelry stores, dance companies, pet stores and other sources to compile the list.
While it is done humorously, PNC said its index mirrors actual economic trends.For instance, gasoline costs topped $4 this summer, driving up shipping costs for many goods. So a pear tree that cost $150 last year will cost $200 this year. (The partridge is up $5 to $20.)
Luxury items are also up, as reflected by the price of the seven swans-a-swimming, which are up 33 percent to $5,600.But the faltering economy has also brought down the cost of some items.
The three French hens (down $15 to $30) and six geese-a-laying (down $120 to $240) reflect declines in food prices.The eight maids-a-milking will cost 12 percent more, $52.40 from about $47 last year, thanks to their second annual minimum wage increase.The 10 lords-a-leaping, 11 pipers piping and 12 drummers drumming are all up about 3 percent, reflecting the general average wage increase."
I'm sure there are lots of notable and worthy items to add to my 12 Days of Christmas tribute, but I'll quit with this one.
Last but not least is a tasteless parody on the song done by JibJab. If you press this link, prepare to be offended while laughing, often against your better judgement!
http://www.jibjab.com/originals/farting_elves_12_days_of_christmas
