If you've never been in downtown Seattle during the holiday season, you sure are missing out, my friend. There really is nothing else that compares to the spirit of a big city decorated in twinkling lights, frantic shoppers, Santa pictures, and holiday spirit.

Let me help persuade you into why you need to spend a day in downtown Seattle before the holiday season is over.

Rya

Obviously, the first step is to grab some coffee to start off your morning. Now, I know Seattle is full of coffee-shop snobs, but Starbucks is a Seattle-based company. Gotta give 'em some love. (Plus, they're on almost every block of downtown. Never too far away from your next pick-me-up!)

Next step, SHOPPING. The nice thing about being downtown, there are endless possibilities of shops. Whether you're looking for big-name chains, such as Nordstrom or Macy's, or local artists at Pike Place, there is something for everyone. Pacific Place, Westlake Center, Pike Place Market, or you can walk the streets of downtown and find the store of your liking.

Now, if you just happen to pass by Westlake Center on your way to Pike Place, you'll notice a huge green thing outside of the entrance. That would be a Christmas tree. As you pass by, you'll feel obligated to take a picture either of it or in front of it because you're slowly being enchanted by that holiday spirit.

Honestly, how could you not take a picture!? Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

After a few hours of hitting up the indoor stores of Pacific Place and Westlake Center and the smell of fish from Pike Place has left your nasal passages, it's time to grab something to eat. Granted there are tons of amazing restaurants and cafes in downtown. But my favorite is The Cheesecake Factory on 700 Pike Street. You cannot go wrong with Cheesecake Factory, it never fails. Great food and cheesecake. IT LITERALLY DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER.

Now that you've consumed 2x your body weight in cheesecake, time to walk it off and see downtown Seattle light up as night falls. There's just something about sidewalks lined with twinkling light trees that makes you feel in the holiday spirit. Oh, and remember that huge Christmas tree I mentioned earlier? Right across the street is a Holiday Carousel. It doesn't get more holiday than that!

As you continue walking the streets, you take in the little things about this city at night. The huge star outside of the Macy's on 300 Pine Street or the huge line of people waiting to get their picture with Santa at Nordstrom on 500 Pine.

The vibe of the city changes during the holiday season. Some may say that this season is plagued by the immense amounts of consumerism. Others take what those people say with a grain of salt because they still believe in the spirit of the giving season. My advice to you is to take just one day out of your busy schedule and bring your family, friends, and loved ones to downtown for the day. You don't need to buy anything. Just enjoy each other's presence and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy Holidays! :)

All images are by me, they are available for viewing on my VSCO profile.

(http://vsco.co/ryannfunk/images/1)