Among the treats that I look forward to each Christmas are Starbucks’ holiday drinks. Every year come the start of the -ber months, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of November, which heralds the revamping of Starbucks branches nationwide in shimmering glitter and joyful color, and the replacement of those trademark white and green cups with bold red ones. Blackboards are erased, new posters are displayed, all announcing that the trio we’ve been waiting for is back — Peppermint Mocha, Toffee Nut Latte and Dark Cherry Mocha.

When I learned that the season of Christmas caffeine cheer has indeed finally started, I just had to pass by my nearest Starbucks right after a grocery run. It didn’t matter that I haven’t gotten the official go signal from my doctor. I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to uphold my own personal Christmas tradition: ordering my first cup of Peppermint Mocha.

Stepping up to the cashier, I wavered between that and the Toffee Nut Latte. The peppermint won, mostly because those red sprinkles lying on a bed of whipped cream brought to mind wistfully romantic images of red poinsettias scattered on pure white snow. Only later did I realize that that drink was thrice as sinful for me with regard to my GERD — not only did I forget to specify non-fat milk, I also overlooked that peppermint is a big no-no. Not that coffee alone isn’t bad for me.

Oh well. I’m justifying it by thinking that it’s just this one time (yeah, right!). I’ll probably go for the toffee nut during my next Starbucks visit.

Regardless of whatever consequences it may have, I have no regrets. I’m alternately typing away at my keyboard and enjoying sips of my espresso, mint, chocolate and milk concoction. There’s something about that mixture that brings the comfort of cold nights spent snuggled in a thick, warm blanket. And then there’s the wintery, tingling sensation of peppermint exploding in my mouth, like little sparks of fairy lights twinkling in the night. Memories of past Christmases come alive in vivid color, those times when my cousin and I would go out on a midnight coffee run to fuel our all-nighters, and when I’d gather with friends or family over cups of holiday-flavored joe.

See how everyday moments are somehow made memorable with good coffee?

Now, about the Starbucks planner. Between my brother, sister and I, we usually manage to collect a couple of those each year. Some, we keep; others, we give as gifts. I start the year using one, then end up switching to a planner that has more space for me to write on. The design for 2013 is pretty nice. You get to choose between black, white and green for the cover, and it has cute features like a magnetic bookmark and little post-its. Of course, the main draw of the planner are the coupons that come with it (though it’s not like I actually get to use all of them).

I probably won’t be able to complete the card on my own, what with my budget and caffeine restrictions. Hopefully, I’ll be able to enlist the help of my family and friends, though.

I’m officially excited for Christmas! Happy holiday, y’all! 🙂