MADISON, Wis., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Ever wonder what it would actually cost Santa Claus to make his worldwide trip at Christmas? Nearly $13 billion, according to the calculations of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).
Beginning in 1982 and five times since, CUNA has thoroughly researched all the costs involved in making Santa’s trip a reality — covering everything from Santa suits and elfin labor to toys and, of course, coal. CUNA then tallies the budget and releases it in a “Santa Diary” format.
This year’s total cost of $12,937,252,980.25 more than doubled the figures from ten years ago. In 1996, the trip cost $6,350,023,426.30. In 1987, it was $5,812,289,483.26.
Here’s the breakdown for Christmas, 2006:Fine red wool suit 1,200.00
Fur trim for suit 200.00
Wide belt 150.00
Dry cleaning 12.60
Undies, top 69.95
Undies, bottom 69.95
Socks 18.95
Boots 125.00
IT system 68,883.00
AT&T service 43,000.00
Kelly Services 116,970.00
100 elves 4,228,432.00
State Farm coverage 14,775.80
Sleigh 1,330.00
Reindeer 82,000.00
Ill reindeer account 10,000.00
Coal – one ton 110.00
Toys 12,932,685,633.00
Total $12,937,252,980.25
Details of these expenses are provided in a diary format, narrated by Santa himself. An excerpt is provided below. Please email klong@cuna.coop for a complimentary copy of the full article.
Dear Diary,
My, my — another decade come and gone. I haven’t made a complete review of expenses since 1996. We’re almost ready for our annual trip tomorrow, and let me tell you the cost is getting to be something.
Just look at this bill from the tailor–$1,200 for a fine red wool suit, $200 more for the fur trim, and $150 for the wide belt. My old hat is still in good shape, a small savings there. When I get home, the dry-cleaning will be $12.60.
Of course, that IceBreaker BodyFit merino wool underwear is a necessity —
$69.95 each for the top and bottom, plus another $18.95 for the Teko wool hiking socks.
With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, Credit Union National Association serves more than 90 percent of America’s 8,800 credit unions, which are owned by more than 88 million consumer members. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives providing affordable financial services to people from all walks of life. For more information, visit http://www.cuna.org/.
Source: Credit Union National Association
