{ the jaunty magpie }

This Bird is now a Lady of Leisure and has been taking advantage of her spare time to really enjoy the holidays and keep a festive spirit. Sure, sure, I could be spending the days curled up on the couch watching The View, eating all the holiday treats that friends have been so kind to give (mmm... homemade chocolate-frosted biscotti!), but no, that is not the Jaunty Way! The icy-cold weather has been frightful, but the lack of rain has been delightful, so off the Magpie flew one evening, to get a glimpse of Seattle's Pike Place Market, bedecked in its holiday finery.

By the dying light of the sunset's glow, the neon flickers on and all the extra little holiday decorations light up the Market. On weeknights, it's mostly neighborhood foot traffic, so there's no tourist-catcalling with thrown fish, just people wanting to do their after-work shopping. The seafood is still fresh, the produce even more crisp in the dry freezing air, and the smell of a warm supper from nearby restaurants is a tempting thing.

People bought fresh Christmas trees right at the main entrance of the Market. They're set up on the cobblestones and I saw people walking them back to nearby apartments, like a scene from a movie. Walking further north, away from the Market, I get to the Belltown neighborhood. I caught sight of a shop that had a window display to charm any sweet tooth -- clothing made of candy! Pure, sugary heaven! It was a wonderful dessert for the eyes, finishing off a holiday feast for the senses. If you live in the area, I recommend a brisk winter walk up and down First, to feel Seattle's holiday spirit. Even if you live in another city, find a favorite main street downtown and find some seasonal cheer.