Last week, there was a whole lot of hubbub in the news, on social media and in conversation created when Starbucks decided to release its annual “red cups” that were, well, red.

The fuss seemed to be over the fact that the traditional “Christmas” symbols (snowflakes, Santa Claus and the like) had been removed from the decorations on the cups.

Extremists were very distraught over the absence of these icons, accusing the company of being anti-Christian, when in fact, the symbols have Pagan origins (Christian symbols would have portrayed Jesus or Mary and Joseph, not the images associated with the commercial holiday).

But that’s beside the point.

The fact that our society wasted a whole week yammering about the containers our over-priced coffee is poured in is just plain sad, and while it’s great that people seem to place so much weight on this holiday and the traditions associated with it, we think their dedication to the Christmas season could be much more well-spent.

Whether they’re practicing Christians or not, most people associate this season with a time of giving, not only in the form of presents on Christmas morning, but to those less fortunate as well. There is no shortage of opportunities to donate time and money, and we encourage you to work at least one of these into your holiday schedule or budget.

One such effort kicked off yesterday in Cass County, when C. Wimberley Automotive and various volunteers started the annual Feed the Hungry campaign with the ambitious goal of raising $20,000 to ensure everyone has full bellies throughout the year.

It goes without saying that this program is much more telling of what the Christmas season should be about than some silly cups, but it is also worth mentioning that this effort transcends the holiday months. With volunteers like Jim Allen aspiring to such a lofty goal, hungry people will be able to be fed throughout much more of the year than the winter months.

As the Feed the Hungry team pounds the pavement throughout the next several weeks, we encourage you to find an extra dollar in your wallet to donate to the cause. As you do your holiday shopping, consider the sponsors of this effort, which can be found in decals on the sides of two cars donated by C. Wimberley throughout the campaign efforts.

Doesn’t that sound like a much better way to begin the holiday season?

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.