The 12 Days of Christmas Price Index

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 29, 2004 - In 1984, after all the receipts were added up, the cost of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" would have set you back $12,623- the goods alone accounting for 62 percent of your total bill. Today, the numbers tell a different story. The total cost has climbed to $17,297, a 1.6 percent annualized increase over 20 years, but services now account for 74 percent of the index, indicating a steady rise in the cost of skilled labor while the price of two turtle doves and three French hens may be a little easier on your wallet.