Dec the Halls With Dead Weight Loss: An Economist’s Christmas Story

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

Children asleep lying under their covers

Hoping for money from their rich grandmothers.

As good economists they know the costs

That presents only bring deadweight loss.

Alas when they woke, they found under the tree

Something that noone should ever see.

Gift boxes wrapped up with ribbon and bow

The little economists thought no, no, no, no.

This will never do, the little economist said in his head

While holding the sweater with too itchy of thread.

Smiling and trying to be discreet,

While frantically looking for a gift receipt.

The loss of value in gift giving is no laughing matter,

So next time there arise such a clatter.

Simply remember this economist’s tale

That christmas gifts are bound to fail. 

for more reading on why gift giving causes deadweight loss: christmas-gift-giving-wasteful