Snowflakes, doves and trees are out and minimalism is in for Starbuck’s signature holiday cups — to the dismay of Christian evangelists.
The coffee chain’s seasonal designs are remixed each year, but this year’s tri-color tone of red, green and white has apparently angered some religious leaders for declaring a so-called “war on Christmas.”
“Starbucks REMOVED CHRISTMAS from their cups because they hate Jesus,” wrote former Arizona pastor Joshua Feuerstein in a viral Facebook post that had at least 8 million views Saturday night.
Student pastor Nate Weaver at the Crosspointe Christian Church in Sarasota, Fla., vowed to never visit Starbucks ever again.
“I’m officially banning Starbucks from my life,” Weaver wrote in a Facebook post Saturday. “With the CEO of the company telling those who support pro-life that they don't want their money and now the Red Holiday cups with nothing that might tie to Christmas on them because they want to be politically correct.”
Outrage over the red cups is not exclusive to the United States. British politician David Burrowes joined the criticism against Starbucks’ new design as an attempt to play it safe.
“The Starbucks coffee cup change smells more of political correctness than a consumer-led change,” Burrowes told Breitbart London. “The public has a common sense grasp on the reality that at Christmas time, whether you have a Christian faith or not, Britain celebrates Christmas.”
The new cups were introduced as early as Oct. 22 in European coffee shops before expanding to American chains at the end of its booming pumpkin spice season.
The holiday designs date back to 1997 with artistic depictions of reindeers, vintage ornaments even shades of blue, according to a Starbucks statement on their latest cups.
The corporation started its tradition with a “jazzy Santa.”
In 2013, Starbucks decorated its cups with coffee flowers and poinsettias.
“This year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories,” said Starbucks’ Vice President of Design & Content Jeffrey Fields.
That inclusive design is at the heart of Feuerstein’s disdain.
“Starbucks has become a place of sanctuary during the holidays,” Fields added. “We’re embracing the simplicity and the quietness of it. It’s more open way to usher in the holiday.”
While this year’s hot beverage cups lack any apparent sign of winter, the Frappuccino beverages get their own holiday cheer on top of an ice base. Those cups have snowflakes.
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