The Seahawks hoped to continue their five-game winning streak with a Christmas Eve game against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field. Santa hats were everywhere, but the 49ers played the part of the Grinch and escaped with a hard-fought 19-17 victory, essentially eliminating the Seahawks from playoff contention.
Seahawks fans were both in the Christmas spirit and the Skittles spirit as they hoped for a big day from Skittles-loving running back Marshawn Lynch.
In the locker room, Lynch prepared a new pair of Skittles-themed Nike shoes for the game.
Seahawks receiver Golden Tate is introduced to a raucous crowd at CenturyLink Field.
Rookie wide receiver Ricardo Lockette was active for the first time in his young career, and wasted no time making his mark by hauling in a deep ball from Tarvaris Jackson.
San Francisco defensive back Carlos Rogers didn't make it easy, fighting for the ball as Lockette landed with a 44-yard reception on the second play from scrimmage.
Receiver Doug Baldwin celebrates after scoring on a 13-yard touchdown reception from Tarvaris Jackson, giving the Seahawks an early 7-0 lead.
Richard Sherman kept San Francisco's Michael Crabtree from making a catch on a deep ball in the first quarter.
Doug Baldwin flies towards the first down marker after a reception from Tarvaris Jackson.
Shoes were a hot topic but not these cleats as Marshawn Lynch (right) tried to stretch the ball over the goal line just before halftime. After an official's review, the ball was placed at the one-yard line.
Seattle's defense, including Chris Clemons, chased San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith all afternoon, but Smith's ability to buy time kept many 49ers drives alive.
Linebacker K.J. Wright tackles 49ers running back Frank Gore from behind for one of his four tackles.
Seattle's special teams came up big when Heath Farwell blocked a punt by San Francisco's Andy Lee in the fourth quarter.
Marshawn Lynch made sure the Seahawks capitalized on the turnover as he raced into the end zone from four yards out to give the Seahawks a 17-16 lead.
Lynch celebrated with Ricardo Lockette as Skittles rained down into the end zone after the touchdown.
Members of the Seahawks grounds crew used blowers in an effort to remove the Skittles from the field.
After a San Francisco field goal gave them the lead at 19-17, Seattle tried to rally but a fumble by Tarvaris Jackson ended hopes.
Doug Baldwin sat alone on the bench in the waning minutes.
Earl Thomas walks dejectedly towards the Seahawks locker room after the game.
Seattle's locker room was somber after the defeat, but head coach Pete Carroll reminded them how far they'd come this season and that they still had the opportunity to finish strong next week in Arizona.
