Commensurate with tradition, while jingling all the way, Christmas is celebrated by giving thanks, remembering the birth of the Messiah, and gifting each other socks and novelty mugs never to be taken out of the package. Be it office gag gifts or thoughtful gifts from friends and loved ones, nothing comes close to the extravagance demanded by a young lady in the Christmas favorite, "Santa Baby." Written in 1953 by Joan Javits and Philip Springer, and originally recorded by Eartha Kitt, the song is addressed to the big fat man with the long white beard. Without further ado, here is an evaluation of the monetary value of the substantial endowment bestowed on the woman in question by none other than the jolly man himself. Ho Ho Ho, here we go.
1. A Sable Coat
A sable is a small mammal that can be found in the forests throughout Russian and parts of Siberia. The fur of this animal is highly desirable shades ranging from dark brown to black. In 1953, a sable coat would cost any fashion savvy individual $4,639.08 on average. In 2016, the price of the same coat would cost a pretty penny at a whopping $42,000. Where's mine, Santa?
2. An Auto Space Convertible, light blue
A space-age fashioned convertible, the Chevrolet Corvette (C1) was first produced in 1953. It was the lowest volume Corvette made by Chevrolet with only 300 available. Due to the handmade production technique and the evolution of craftsmanship, each car was slightly different. The ownership of one of these beauties in 1953 would cost about $3490. In 2016, inflation alone skyrockets the price to $10,238.28. With rarity and demand taken into consideration, it would cost upwards of $35,000 to find a replica and $100,000+ to get your hands on a real deal, light blue original C1.
3. A Yacht
With the affluent nature of the gifts, the yacht best suited for the items would be a Philip Rhodes 45ft. Bermudan Sloop. This craft was constructed of mahogany and teak with a shoal draft keel. All brass finishing also added to this magnificent yacht's appeal. In 1953, a yacht of this standard of luxury was reserved for only the most financially blessed. One of these bad boys could take you to sea for a cool $30,839. However, to get your fix of the fresh sea air in 2016 could cost a hearty $279,202.
4. A Platinum Mine
Today, the price of a platinum mine, sold by Anglo-American plc, is a mind-boggling $22,000,000,000. In 1953, this same mine would have gone for $2,457,981,667. Clearly, the young lady asking for such a large investment is quite business savvy. You go, girl.
5. A Duplex and Checks
Looking for a duplex in New York, NY? This great unit on the upper west side could be yours for just $6,500,000! That's right folks! This is a spacious unit measuring in at 6,426 sq.ft fits two full-size families and comes complete with kitchens, full baths, recreation rooms, and a shared roof space. Amazing! This same unit would have cost a measly $726,221 in 1953. Clearly, such an elegant space for an up and coming lady of society would need to be decorated with only the finest designer pieces. That's where the checks come in. The cost of an interior designer in 1953 would be an average of $8,000. Today, that same service would demand $71,603. Yikes. Here's a look at our gorgeous unit.
6. Tree Decorations Bought at Tiffany's
This one is a doozy. Whether the woman was asking for jewelry or actual Christmas ornaments, I do not know. However, Tiffany's sells both. Taking the song for face value, we'll go with ornaments. Today, one ornament from Tiffany's would cost $50-$125. Assuming she had an average tree size of 7 ft., it would require around 84 ornaments to decorate. That brings us to $6,300 worth of ornaments in 2016. This equates to roughly $703 in 1953. Can someone say Bob Barker? ("The Price is Right" joke, get it?)
7. Lastly, a Ring
With an average cost of $4,000 today, a diamond ring is one of the less expensive items on the young lady's Christmas list to Santa. In 1953, this ring would have cost just $446.
The total price of this Christmas list in 1953: $2,458,751,367.
The total price of this Christmas list in 2016: $22,006,889,143.
If this list of items were to show up under everyone's Christmas tree, I assume we'd all swear off pouting and crying, and surely would be watching out for ol' Santa baby. You never know when he might be there to fulfill all those lavish wishes, but for now, I think an ugly sweater from grandma and socks and undies from mom will suffice for a holly jolly Christmas.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Prices for each item can be found here.
