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The cost of Christmas

Actual inflation might be running low but according to PNC's annual Christmas Price Index, the cost of Christmas is up 7.7% (or 6.9% if you sum up ALL the gifts for all the repetitions of the song). Of the individual items, nine ladies dancing is up the most, 20% - perhaps a sign of growing gender wage equality? PNC also calculates a 'core' index (10.6%) that excludes the swans, since they are the most volatile item in the basket, and they point out that this is analogous to the core CPI which excludes food and energy.

Also, if anyone needs gift ideas for academic friends, this mug is a must-have! (also available as a t-shirt!)

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