Taiwan Today

Christmas is becoming big business in Taiwan. The 1968 season broke all records in the sale of decorative lights, ornaments and a wide variety of handicraft items for Yuletide display or giving. This year will be even bigger. Construction is under way on a plant that will make US$20 million worth of Christmas tree lights annually under the Noma label. Although Christmas specialties are mainly for export, the local market is growing. Chinese are taking over Yule customs from foreign residents.

 

A popular handcrafted gift popular with local residents and tourists is Taiwan jade which is of moderate quality and extremely low price.

 

Taiwan ornaments and lighting sets are largely handmade and more interesting than the mass-produced Christmas decorations of the West. The lights are mostly miniatures arranged in twinkle series.

 

A creche with Christ child and other principals of the stable scene costs only U5$4 at retail. Wise men are of cloth.

 

Added to this is the growing popularity of card and gift exchanges by the Chinese. Coral is one of biggest sellers.

 

Another growing export is that of plastic trees. Those of 5 to 6 feet cost from US$20 to $25 and may be used year after year. The Taiwan foreign population of over 20,000 buys local-made Christmas cards and gifts in large volume.

Chinese lanterns come in all sizes from those for those big enough for room illumination to tiny ones for night lights or use in Christmas tree strings. A few years ago, gift-wrapping was unknown in Taiwan. Now high-class shops and stores are prepared to give this service, usually with attractive homemade papers.