This year, Congress increased their wages by 13.6 percent; bringing the cost of eight Maids-a-Milking for one hour of work to $46.80. The cost of most performers in the index -- the Drummers Drumming, Pipers Piping and Lords-a-Leaping -- rose a modest 3 to 4 percent. Only the price for the Ladies Dancing was unchanged this year. For True Loves planning to serve six geese for a holiday meal, this item will be a bit more expensive," said PNC’s James Dunigan. "Food prices have increased over the last year, which has not impacted birds like Turtle Doves and Partridges, but has had an impact on birds traditionally served as food, like Geese." Most of the other bird prices in the index remained even with last year's rates, thanks to steady supply and demand for Partridges, Turtle Doves, French Hens and Swans. Aside from the Geese-a-Laying, only the Calling Birds will cost more in 2007.

PNC prices the Calling Birds from a national pet store chain, and prices for Calling Birds (or canaries) were up 25 percent this year, thanks to higher demand and increased shipping costs for retailers. As part of its annual tradition, PNC also tabulates the "True Cost of Christmas," which is the total cost of items gifted by a True Love who repeats all of the song's verses. This holiday season, very generous True Loves will pay more than ever before -- $78,100 -- for all 364 items, up from $75,122 in 2006. Each year, educators across the country use PNC’s Christmas Price Index to teach economic trends to students of all ages – available at pncchristmaspriceindex.com. Educators and parents who visit the site will find sample lesson plans and activities for grades 4-12 on the Christmas Price Index.