It's official. Christmas will be harder this year. When a guy can't afford the inflationary cost of giving Nine Ladies Dancing--Well that's just not Christmas!
The 2008 Chart, compiled by PNC since the early 1980's indicates really a modest increase in costs, up about $8,500.00 over last year. Things you would honestly not buy for you true love rose in price, for example Turtle Doves rose 37% in price, Partidges and Pear Trees both rose the same 33%. Meanwhile contemporary (if not practical) gifts such as golden rings have gone down in price a full 11%. Click on the chart above to gain a better view.
Other increases are the only unskilled laborers... Maids-a-Milking. Due to federal minimum wage requirements their increased from $5.85 to $6.85 per hour, a 27% increase.
All totalled, the increase from 2007's $78,100.00 to 2008's $86,609.00 is a significant 10% increase!
