Christmas in late April.
      One time I was in Taiwan in late January and was surprised to see Christmas decorations everywhere. I mean, I know this island is 90% Buddhist, but yet they love slaughtering animals and other things I would consider contrary to what I've read about Buddhism, so maybe their interpretation of Buddhism not only tosses out compassion as a precept but also embraces Christmas.
      Well, I was in for even more of a surprise because here we are in late April and the Christmas decorations are just as numerous. Just in the past few days I've seen innumerable fake christmas trees, five 'Merry Christmas' banners, a five foot long Christmas stocking marked 'Corona Beer', a giant inflatable Santa Claus and sleigh fixed atop a house, giant reindeer models on someone's roof, a Christmas wreath on the front door of a restaurant, a large Christmas tree with lights and numerous ornaments in the middle of a train station, and so on.
      I know Americans are often criticized for believing that Christmas begins in November, but surely the Taiwanese are equally guilty in extending Christmas to late April? (Or beyond- I see no sign that any of these decorations are coming down any time soon!)