It seems like the Grinch came early to steal Christmas this year. At least, that’s what some people seem to believe with the whole Starbucks red cup controversy.

You heard right. People are genuinely upset at Starbucks’ red cup design this year.

As many people know, Starbucks’ red cup reveal marks the beginning of the holiday season, and in past years the cups have been red with wintery designs such as snowmen, mittens, and other winter icons. However, this year Starbucks has chosen a minimalist design with an ombré look that starts with a bright red and fades into a darker cherry.

People are freaking out.

When I first read about this, I sincerely thought it was a joke. It was about a week after Starbucks unveiled their new design, and I didn’t even pay attention to what the cup looked like. I cared more about the $5 Skinny Peppermint Mocha that I ordered.

But some people noticed and had quite a few words to say about it. People are saying that Starbucks is anti-Christian and are perpetuating the War on Christmas. In short, the apocalypse is upon us, and Starbucks is leading it.

Now, being a basic white girl/Starbucks-lover, I was intrigued with this controversy and did my research on Starbucks’ red cups.

I tried to see if Starbucks ever put the phrase “Merry Christmas” on their cups, and you know what I found? There has not been a single reference to Christmas in over a decade on any of their cups. There has not been Christmas trees or ornaments or Ol’ St. Nick.

That didn’t stop Christian extremists as many really stuck it to Starbucks by ordering drinks and saying that their names are “Merry Christmas.”

So, let’s talk about this.

First, people are boycotting Starbucks by giving them money. Now, I’m not the expert on boycotting, but I’m pretty sure giving money to the thing you’re protesting isn’t how it’s done.

Second, how is Starbucks killing Christmas this year when they have not put anything about Christmas on their cups in the past 10 years? Guys, they literally have a Christmas blend.

Third, you can’t even see the cup because of the sleeve on the hot drinks, and the iced ones never have any designs on them anyway, so what’s the point?

Finally, I’m a Catholic-Jew, and I think it is absolutely ridiculous that people are somehow offended that Christmas is not plastered all over Starbucks’ cup. The colors are literally red and green.

I think what personally bothers me the most is that these extremists do not even consider any other religions during the holiday season. December is not just for Christians, it’s not just for Christmas. It’s for everyone.

Not putting Merry Christmas on the cup offends a small section of extremists whereas putting Merry Christmas on the cup offends everyone that’s not Christian. Clearly one option is better than the other.

Can we also talk about the fact that Starbucks is a privately owned company? This means that they can do whatever they want, and you as a consumer have the freedom to buy or not buy their products. This is what we call capitalism folks.

Also, I think people need to be a little more appreciative that the CEO of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, is Jewish, yet there is no reference to Judaism anywhere in Starbucks. There is a Christmas blend, but there is no Hanukkah or Passover blend. He’s sacrificing his own personal beliefs to cater to the masses.

Finally, if you are so fortunate to be standing in line for Starbucks to buy $5 coffee, your life is pretty good. You need to not complain about a cup design.

If Christian extremists really care that much about red cups, they should really take it up with frat boys. They’ve been killing Christmas for years now.