I see the red cups out and about town now, and I get that instant holiday glow. I love November and December -- undoubtedly my most favorite time of the year. And, really, we all really know why red cups make people happy. Starbuck's, like one of my other dear favorite companies, Disney, just flat out knows what they are doing.
Red cups somehow make me forget that I am paying $5.00 for a latte. Red cups erase the "corporateness" of companies and the fact that, in retail, the holiday season starts in early October these days. Red cups make me happy. They just make me happy. For those cherished moments every morning when I drink my coffee at my desk, before the craziness of the day sets in. For the happy thoughts they bring to mind -- happy thoughts about family, the holidays and everything for which I am thankful. For the warmth I feel when I drink those yummy holiday flavors. For the glimmer and sparkle in my kids' eyes when we get them a hot chocolate, in a red cup. They just make me happy.
As the red cup revolution grew, Starbuck's, like most savvy companies and social media users, jumped all over building a community around their famous beverage holders. The Starbuck's Holiday Village® does not "officially open" until November 13, but, shed no tears! You can provide this savvy social media company with your email address, and they will notify you when the village is open and ready for visitors. What better way to engage their customers?? Combine their red cups with a fun, festive, holiday website (which they will promote the crap out of on their Facebook page, via Twitter, etc.).
For all those out there who find reasons to complain during the holidays (about Target bringing out holiday items before Halloween, about the hassles of the season and about whatever else), might I suggest holding a red cup, even for a moment? And remember, we have the power within ourselves to control what the holidays mean to us. For me, the red cups trigger all the joy of the holiday season. It is a choice I make -- to not let any external factors have influence on what the season means to me and to my family.
Happy red cupping, everyone!
