How’s the Economy? Just Look at How Much Celebrating ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ Will Cost

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As far as the economy goes, the literal meaning of holiday songs is hardly a typical indicator of consumer sentiment.

Yet, there are hidden economic lessons, if you delve into the costs of goods and services. It is with this spirit (and some creative back-of-the-envelope calculations) that we have again turned our thoughts of fancy to the “The 12 Days of Christmas.” For those willing to give their true love extravagant memories for the days running from Christmas Day until Epiphany, act now!

All told, the whimsical splurge will run a little less than 1 percent more than last year, largely because of slow economic growth. That works out to a grand total of just $34,363.49.

The Christmas price index closely mirrors the government’s Consumer Price Index, which tracks the prices of more pedestrian goods and services such as housing and transportation. The C.P.I. rose 1.7 percent over the 12-month period ending in November.