Aside from the fact that the cup is red with a green logo on it – traditional Christmas colors, I believe – the stores I investigated were filled with holiday touches. From the music they were playing to:
Christmas Blend Coffee – available for purchase in bags…
![](https://40.media.tumblr.com/770b83091ebfe5b1c2bd2e8253c7a404/tumblr_inline_nxyvcsGvGY1qj70de_540.jpg)
…and freshly brewed, where I heard people requesting and being served drinks that contained the word Christmas. (That hardly seems like Starbucks is being Grinchy…)
![](https://41.media.tumblr.com/6e40caf5e6f1af9544b435df055ef3b0/tumblr_inline_nxyvcsKBDr1qj70de_540.jpg)
Advent calendars in the shape of Christmas trees were also featured prominently, for those wishing to integrate their favorite coffee brand with their religious celebration:
![](https://36.media.tumblr.com/4a9a6b2ad3b0618fe3c6dcffb008c487/tumblr_inline_nxyvcsrPUD1qj70de_540.jpg)
Ornaments are also available, should you wish to hang some Seattle-based branding from your Christmas tree:
![](https://36.media.tumblr.com/c127ee1a9c60fd2798db6417f900c3f8/tumblr_inline_nxyvcsw85o1qj70de_540.jpg)
The brand also included some non-denominational tastes of the season, like Gingerbread Loaf and Frosted Snowman Cookies. There’s even a new offering inspired by the all-American holiday: the Thanksgiving Day panini:
![](https://40.media.tumblr.com/b90ffdc2d2c7b1d1e7ed8979b9da0eea/tumblr_inline_nxyvctbOe31qj70de_540.jpg)
And just in case you weren’t satisfied with any of these offerings, a bevy of gift cards at the register captures more ways to give your own special wintry gift message – from a simple “Joy” to the innocuous “Happy Holidays” to the full-on “Merry Christmas.”
![](https://36.media.tumblr.com/c5e1875e1e41c4db55dce13311b504af/tumblr_inline_nxyvct1iui1qj70de_540.jpg)
I really didn’t want to post about this. I feel like this ridiculous situation has gotten enough press already. But after visiting the stores, I felt that I had to speak out in defense of Starbucks. Now when I hear anyone try to argue that Starbucks has made a misstep, I will have to “ho ho ho” in their face.
![](https://40.media.tumblr.com/dc1c386dcabfe91b4dde671f88c30876/tumblr_inline_nxyvctamVt1qj70de_540.jpg)
~ Denise Blasevick, @AdvertGirl & CEO, The S3 Agency