Written By: A. Hamilton

As Easter approaches, many Americans are finding themselves faced with sky-high prices that threaten to shrink their traditional holiday celebrations. The cost of essential Easter items, such as eggs and chocolate, have soared due to bad economic policies and other contributing factors, leaving many families struggling to afford the joys of the season.

According to Federal Reserve data, the average price for a dozen eggs currently stands at around $3. While this may seem like a significant drop from the record high of $4.82 in January 2023, it is still more than double the pre-pandemic average of $1.45 in February 2020.

These elevated prices have dissuaded some consumers from indulging in the age-old tradition of dyeing and decorating eggs, with 35% polled citing high prices as the deterrent.

LISTEN: Easter Bunny sings his rock ballad lamenting the high cost of Easter this year and the disappointing effects it will have of kids celebrating the holiday in Colorado. (The Lobby)

Furthermore, the cost of chocolate has reached unprecedented levels, making Easter baskets more expensive pound for pound than precious metals like gold or platinum.

The price of cocoa recently exceeded $10,000 per metric ton, more than double what it was trading for in January. Chocolate companies, including major players like Hershey, have announced plans to increase prices, decrease product sizes, and promote candies with less cocoa content to offset the surging cocoa costs.

The impact of these exorbitant prices is evident in the National Retail Federation's prediction that spending on Easter candy will decrease to $3.1 billion this year, compared to $3.3 billion in 2023. This translates to an average spending of $24.78 per shopper, a decline from $26.31 per person the previous year.

The rising costs of sugar further compound the issue, with retail prices for sugar and sweets expected to increase by 5.6% in 2024.

The staggering price hikes for essential Easter items can be attributed to a combination of factors, including bad economic policies and global market trends. The consequences of these policies are now being felt by ordinary Americans who are unable to enjoy the holiday traditions they hold dear.

READ MORE:

• FAMILIES HOSTING THANKSGIVING DINNER FEEL FINANCIAL BURDEN FROM INFLATION

• ‘TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS’ ARE MORE EXPENSIVE IN 2023, MIRRORING THE ECONOMY

• NORAD CONTINUES ITS 68-YEAR TRADITION OF TRACKING SANTA CLAUS ON CHRISTMAS EVE

• COLORADO: THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS… NO, REALLY!

It is crucial for policymakers to address the root causes of these soaring prices and implement measures to alleviate the burden on consumers. Easter is a time for families to come together and celebrate, but the rising costs threaten to exclude many from participating in these cherished traditions.

As consumers navigate the challenges posed by high prices, it is important to remember that the true essence of Easter lies not in material goods, but in the spirit of love, hope, and renewal.

While the cost of eggs and chocolate may be prohibitive, the values that underpin this holiday remain within our reach. Let us focus on the intangible treasures of Easter and find joy in the company of loved ones, regardless of the size of our Easter baskets.