We don't need a formal declaration of recession to know that we are in one.  But for those few who still don't believe we are in a financial slump, maybe this year's Christmas Price Index from PNC Wealth Management will change their minds.

According to this PNC website the total cost for the items in the song “Twelve Days Of Christmas” is $21,080.

The cost are as follows:

1 partridge     = $   20.00  
1 Pear Tree     =    199.99  
2 Turtle Doves     =     55.00  
3 French Hens     =     30.00  
4 Calling Birds     =    599.96  
5 Gold Rings     =    349.95  
6 Geese A-laying     =    240.00  
7 Swans A-Swimming     =  5,600.00  
8 Maids A-milking*     =     52.40  
9 Ladies Dancing**     =  4,759.19     
10 Lords A-leaping**     =  4,413.61  
11 Pipers piping**     =  2,284.80  
12 Drummers Drumming**     =  2,475.20  

If True Love actually bought the items repeatedly as the song suggests, then the total cost would be $86,609.  This is up $8,509 dollars from last year.  For most of us, twelve days of Christmas is just twelve days too long.

* minimum wage
** per performance