For eight years, Starbucks has served its holiday drinks in special cups that evoke the season — donning everything from a snowman to ornaments.

But this year the coffee chain decided to opt for a blank red canvas with the Starbucks logo to encourage customers to doodle and create their own designs.

That’s where the trouble began. Many flocked to social media to complain Starbucks was taking the holiday out of the holidays, while others criticized the tempest in the coffee cup.

“In the past, we have told stories with our holiday cups designs,” said Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks vice president of design and content. “This year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories.”