Dear Starbucks Holiday Cup,

I've been waiting all year for you. Your red tint brings me so much joy, knowing that Christmas is near. Though Halloween was just a week ago, you bring the Christmas spirit I need to finish out the semester and (maybe) pass my exams.

Each sip of coffee I take from your bright, red cup leaves me with holiday spirit. I can almost taste the peppermint and gingerbread flavorings, even though I didn't pay the extra 60 cents for the flavor shots. How else would I celebrate Christmas in November if it weren't for the holiday cheer you bring in your politically correct "Happy Holidays" design?

You've gone through some hard times in the past, but I'm happy you're here to stay. I don't find you offensive, I find you to be a bright light in the dark, cold month of November and a merry reminder in December. Some people just don't understand the connection you have with others, but that's okay.

You have a strong group of supporters who will fight for you loudly on social media and we will defend your honor via Twitter until the bitter end. You can count on us for the frequent Snapchat stories and Instagram posts that give you free marketing. After all, did we really get Starbucks if we didn't post it? I'm sure our followers and friends appreciate getting a notification every time we buy your overpriced products.

Every year you take on a new appearance, and I eagerly await to see what you've been dressed up for this year. Rumor has it you have some white spaces for us to fill in and I'm so happy to be a part of your design. After all, a plain red cup could be construed as offensive, right?

A white cup seems like a good solution to the problem. In the past, you've tried to write "Happy Holidays" on the cups to include everyone, but now that the cup is actually a coloring book, people of all ages are truly included. Though a Christmas tree is the only "religious" symbol present, the hands really show the inclusion of all religions and cultures, though they're not represented whatsoever anywhere on this year's cup.

This year you remind us to "Give Good" and I don't think the message could come at a better time. You're always striving for us to help others, even when we're spending most of our money on a cup of coffee. We may not have any other money left to spend helping others, but at least we have the "Give Good" coffee sleeve to prove we are, in fact, a kind and giving person.

We could better spend our time we are present at Starbucks volunteering at local organizations that needs help, but where's the fun in that? I'd much rather be stuck in line, hoping that my name is spelled perfectly on my cup for that perfect Insta pic.

The trip to Starbucks will be worth it, even in the cold, knowing I'll be able to hold you in my hands. Without you, how would I remember to be nice to others? What else would I spend my money on? The questions are endless, but you're always the answer. I could brew my own coffee at home, but then I wouldn't be able to carry around your beautiful cup design all day long and show others that I am indeed a cultured coffee connoisseur.

Cheers to you, cheers to November, and cheers to giving good.

One venti, half-caf, skinny, peppermint mocha no-whip, please.

Sincerely,

Someone who is willing to spend $5 just for the red cup.