I recently shared a little confession on social media that I thought might just get me exiled from the internet or even worse, stripped of my American citizenship. I wrote: “I just tried my yearly PSL (Pumpkin Spice Latte) and I have to say, I still don’t get the hype.” I braced myself for the inevitable backlash, fully aware of the fierce loyalty of PSL enthusiasts.
When I finally emerged from my self-imposed digital exile, I discovered I wasn’t alone in my pumpkin aversion. There are plenty of us out there who share this peculiar disdain for the pumpkin frenzy. It seems like you either wholeheartedly embrace the pumpkin craze or you wish for its swift extinction. But before we can find common ground, let me get a few things off my chest.
First off, if you’re part of Team Pumpkin, congratulations, you’ve won. I concede defeat. It must be exhilarating to have an endless stream of seasonal flavors at your disposal. As a chocolate lover, I can’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy when I see the pumpkin offerings flooding the market.
Allow me to illustrate my point through a recent morning filled with errands.
Stop 1: Coffee Shop
We all know that Starbucks is the origin point of the pumpkin phenomenon, especially when fall rolls around. As I stood there waiting for my drink, the barista called out, “Laura? Your grande NOT PSL is ready.” The stunned silence that followed was palpable, as fellow customers gaped at my choice. Clearly, I was in the minority.
Stop 2: Bagel Shop
In the New York City area, bagels are practically sacred. But as I waited for my turn, I overheard a mother and daughter having a serious debate. “Should I get the pumpkin bagel with plain cream cheese or the plain bagel with pumpkin cream cheese?” It was as if they were deciding the fate of the universe. Thank goodness I had already secured my caffeine fix or I might have exploded.
Stop 3: Trader Joe’s
I love Trader Joe’s seasonal products, but it seems that a staggering 90% of their inventory right now is pumpkin-themed. Pumpkin butter, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin ice cream—you name it, they have it. I can’t help but wish for the peppermint season to roll around so I can enjoy some variety.
Stop 4: Doctor’s Office
I kid you not, while sitting in the waiting room, the man next to me excitedly shared that he’d found Pumpkin Spice M&Ms at the store. I thought I had entered an alternate reality—who messes with M&Ms like that?
Stop 5: The Internet
By the time I got home, it was clear that I was in a war against pumpkins. An email from Pinterest popped up, highlighting their seasonal boards filled with pumpkin recipes. My curiosity got the better of me, and I clicked to see what culinary delights awaited. Among the suggestions were pumpkin cheesecake crepes, pumpkin snickerdoodles, and even pumpkin pie martinis. The onslaught was relentless.
Honestly, I shouldn’t complain too much. The pumpkin takeover has left little room for apples and their fans, who used to hold the title of autumn’s favorite fruit. Sure, we still enjoy apple picking and pie, but let’s face it—pumpkins have stolen the show.
In conclusion, I offer a half-hearted congratulations to Team Pumpkin. Enjoy your moment in the spotlight, but remember that before long, PSLs and their pumpkin companions will fade into the background, making way for the peppermint and chocolate season. For now, I’ll be dreaming of peppermint bark while navigating the pumpkin landscape.
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