Christmas is much more expensive this year. At least it is if you go the swans-a-swimming and 
geese-a-laying route.
PNC's Christmas Price Index was up 8.1 percent this year, the second biggest leap in the 24-year history of the index, which is based on the holiday classic "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
The biggest culprit for the increase? Those darn seven swans-a-swimming, which will costs $5,600 this year, compared with $4,200 in 2007, PNC said.
PNC also puts out a core Christmas Price index, which excludes the highly volatile swan sector. That core CPI was up just 1.1 percent.
PNC CPI's sources range from retailers to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh and Philadanco, a modern dance company in Philadelphia.
Commodities prices, concerns about increased energy and shipping costs, jobs and a second straight minimum wage increase were major factors in the cost of the index, James Dunigan, managing executive of investments for PNC Wealth Management, said.
Prices for turtle doves, partridges and pear trees are also all up more than 30 percent, PNC said.
But if you want to save some money, see if your true love will let you get away with only the five golden rings -- which are down 11.4 percent this year at $349.95.
Hey, there is a recession on, you know.
(Reuters photo)
