Noel Numbers

Inflation, as measured by the Christmas Price Index, based on purchasing each day’s items once in “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” rose a scant 1.2% in 2018 to $39,094.93. Excluding the costliest item, seven swans-a-swimming at $13,125, will reduce the cost to $25,969.93. Conversely, purchasing all 364 items will cost you $170,609.46. In a good sign for housing, pear trees, the home of the partridge, rose just 0.1%!. Merry Christmas!