The 'true' spirit of the season?

I had to laugh at the "controversy" around the Starbucks "holiday" cups. Since I grew up Jewish, I might not be the best person to weigh in on a Christmas debate, but I doubt any of the other people throwing their opinions out are any more qualified.

It seems like the controversy was kicked up by a very few people who had nothing better to do with their lives than offer opinions on nothing.

If you show your religion based on the color of your take-out coffee cup, maybe you should rethink your faith. You would do better to pay for the coffee of the person behind you than make the person behind a coffee counter write your name as "Merry Christmas." And, really, how can you call it a boycott if you are advising people to go in, BUY coffee, then give your name as Merry Christmas?

I admit, I do not buy coffee from Starbucks. I did once and found it expensive and too strong for my tastes. And, with my husband willing to brew me a cup every morning, why not save my $2 to $5 for something more important? 

However, I took the time to look up past Starbucks' Christmas coffee cups online. Maybe I missed something in my comparative religion classes, but when were snowflakes and snowmen the definitive symbol of a holiday marking Christ's birth? Were Mary and Joseph visited by Frosty in the Bethlehem barn? 

I always think that actions are more important than words. It is like the ongoing debate of people between "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays." If someone wishes me well, it gives me a warm feeling, no matter what the words. As someone who only started celebrating a modified form of Christmas after marrying someone of the Christian faith, "Merry Christmas" doesn't come easy. But I don't get offended if someone doesn't wish me a "Happy Chanukah." 

It is a debate I have had with atheist friends of mine. Some of them can't understand why they are asked to "say a prayer" for someone who is going through a hard time. I try to explain that by saying you will pray for someone is not for your faith, it is for theirs. And if someone asks for prayers, will telling them you are "thinking of them" really hurt anyone?

Words are fickle. Actions are not. 

So for those who are offended by the plain red cups of Starbucks because they have forgotten about Christmas, maybe you should take your coffee cup and read the Bible. Or just take the money you would have spent on that cup of coffee and put it into a charity can. Maybe then you will remember the true meaning of the season.