The cold weather has returned and the holidays are fast approaching. But the real event to be excited for is the release of the annual Starbucks seasonal cups.

Each year, the popular coffeehouse chain releases their own version of coffee cups for the fall and winter seasons. These cups are known to get people into the holiday spirit with their beautiful winter themes. However, although loved by many, there are still those who critique the cups, believing that the designs are only representative of Christmas and do not represent other holidays.

After much controversy in 2015 about whether or not the cups only recognized Christmas, Starbucks decided to create a cup that would not offend anyone. The cup they created was simply plain red with no design on it at all. Starbucks succeeded in not offending anyone but the cup was not flattering and it did not consist of anything to lighten people’s spirits during holiday season. There was also a different group of critics that claimed that the cups were anti-Christmas. Overall, it was a big disappointment for Starbucks at the time.

This year, Starbucks reverted back to their original style. They came out on Nov. 10, with multiple designs for their cups including trees covered in snow, holiday lights, snowflakes, reindeer, candy canes and even ornaments. Although a few of these designs have to do with the Christmas holiday, there are still some that recognize the delightful and white season of winter. This is an important factor because even for those who do not celebrate Christmas, there are alternative designs that can please almost everyone.

It is nearly impossible to satisfy all people and there will always be those who will criticize Starbucks cups in some way, but I would believe that the majority of those who get Starbucks drinks like to see the appealing designs. Starbucks heard the voices of the people through social media asking for red holiday-themed designs. Without compensating for the customers, they made an executive decision to continue their tradition of the seasonal cups, and they knew they had made the right one.

Starbucks seasonal cups will never get old and after the success from reverting back to their original designed cups this year they should strive to continue this for many more years to come.