Dear Starbucks Holiday Coffee Cup,

You’ve for sure caused one big controversy for (in my opinion) no good reason. The problem you’ve caused is filling up the news feeds of everyone’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Consumers are angered because instead of you being decorated with cute snowflakes, ornaments, and wintery scenes, you are a PLAIN RED OMBRE CUP. I know, SO terrible. What’s the problem exactly? Apparently, this means that you aren't celebrating Christmas anymore as a corporation. Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks’ VP of design, says that this year you were designed to embrace “the simplicity and quietness” of the holiday season. Apparently, many people are having a huge issue with this new “simple and quiet” design. I feel sorry for you, Holiday Coffee Cup, because such a little insignificant change caused so many people to feel so offended. Regardless of religion, the intention of Starbucks was definitely not to offend anyone. To be honest with you, people getting offended over the design on a coffee cup that they will drink out of for only 30 minutes is unnecessary. Before you jump to conclusions and think that I must not be a Christian, I’m just going to reassure you that I am. Due to the positive comments being buried by the negative ones, I'm sorry that you cannot see that so many Christians actually DO support you. Growing up a Christian, I can say that in my opinion, your little change in design has no effect on me. So with that being said, I couldn't care less what design is put on you. Although your design always brings joy to me when I receive my holiday themed coffee, there’s something special about this year’s design.

To me, this design means that Starbucks isn’t just celebrating one holiday, but other’s as well. That is a great sign of respect in my eyes. If people really care so much about what little designs are on you, then they need to re-evaluate their priorities of what’s really important to the celebration of Christmas. If you're such a large concern to the celebration of Christmas, this is just another way that the hyper-consumerist society is taking over this holiday. Christmas nowadays only seems to be associated with gift receiving and giving. Although its great to give gifts to loved ones, that is not the true meaning of Christmas. On another note, how do you feel about your little “prank"? Yeah, I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the #MerryChristmasStarbucks hashtag on Twitter. Supporters of the hashtag have been encouraging their social media followers to “prank” Starbucks' stores by telling the barista that their name is “Merry Christmas” in order to get some Christmas recognition on their cup. If a barista writing “Merry Christmas” on a red cup will satisfy customers, then they should just carry a black Sharpie with them and do it themselves. If it means anything, I support you and Starbucks’ meaning to welcome customers “from all backgrounds and religions” because in America there is a diversity in religious preferences.

Yep, I said it. There is more than just Christianity in America, and everyone should know that by now. You don't see people of other religions getting angry that their religious symbols and beliefs aren’t all over consumer products! This is 2015, and we need to see past all these insignificant controversies and worry about what really matters. So with all this being said, Starbucks Holiday Coffee Cup, I think you’re great, and I can’t wait to order my next Salted Caramel Mocha--giving the barista my real name.

Sincerely,
A Starbucks Lover