For over a decade, the first sip of a hot Gingerbread Latte at Starbucks meant the beginning of the holiday season to me. In 2019, I prepared to win the annual contest with my bestie regarding who got the first Gingerbread Latte of the season. 
Imagine my surprise when I was told, “We don’t have that this year but would you care to try a Caramel Brûlée Latte?” 
It is not the dear sweet barista’s fault, but NO I would not. But it was 2019 and I tried another latte with great disappointment. I went to Dunkin Donuts later and NOT SAME. Hey, there are a lot more important things in life. 
However, this is 2020. This year is a giant dumpster fire. We are losing people to a virus and hate is prevailing on a daily basis. Maybe we shouldn’t be making a fuss over a coffee beverage? Maybe we should just be grateful we can afford to pay over $5 for a cup of coffee when millions have lost their jobs? 
Trust me, I am aware of all of that. I work in public service and I’m super privileged that the lack of a Gingerbread Latte even takes up the several minutes of my time to write this. 
But a simple flavor brings a lot of joy at a time when there’s not much to be joyful about. My kids are going to have a much leaner Christmas and Starbucks is a big treat for the family when you’re buying five beverages. It’s the flavor of the holidays and just makes a lot of people feel a little bit happier. No other coffee shop’s Gingerbread Latte compares. 
(Nestle Gingerbread creamer is bomb, tho. About the closest you will get.) 

So I humbly beseech the green coffee giant to bring back this lovely flavor. If you have it in Canada, that means you make the syrup. Just send a few bottles to each store. I swear they will sell. I’ll start a pay it forward chain every chance I get. It’s such a little thing that brings a lot of happiness.