Starbucks holiday cups are back, but not everyone loves them

(FOX 11) - Starbucks released its annual red cup last week, which has become the official start of the holiday season for caffeine addicts.

This year's cup has a minimalist design with a two-toned ombre color and the Starbucks logo.

Since the first red cup in 1997, Starbucks has used it to tell a story of the holidays by featuring symbols of the season, like hand-drawn ornaments and reindeer.

"This year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories," Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks' vice president of design, said in a statement.

"Starbucks has become a place of sanctuary during the holidays. We're embracing the simplicity and the quietness of it."

However, some have taken to social media to complain about the new Starbucks holiday cup, which they say lacks festive cheer.

An article posted on Breitbart London even called the 2015 red cups part of the "War on Christmas."

"This is a denial of historical reality and the great Christian heritage behind the American Dream that has so benefitted Starbucks," wrote Andrea Williams of the U.K.'s Christian Concern.

In a viral Facebook post, former pastor Joshua Feuerstein claimed that he "pranked" Starbucks by telling them his name was "Merry Christmas" so the barista would have to write the words "Merry Christmas" on the cup.

The video, which has been viewed more than 11 million times, asks others to do the same and use the hashtag #MerryChristmasStarbucks.

Something important to note is that the previous red cups at Starbucks have not featured openly religious symbols.

In addition, those expressing their dislike for the design do not represent all Christians or the rest of Starbucks drinkers.

Some liked the design or simply just felt it was a non-issue.

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