Andrea Laurion last wrote about her job writing obituaries, and how she consequently ruined Christmas.

I was working away at my computer when the office manager came by my cubicle pushing a black office chair, wrapped in plastic. "Andrea, your new chair is in."

I didn't remember signing up for a new chair, but if she said I did, I'll take it, though not before getting more information first. "Is it new…

I’ll never forget the year I ruined Christmas. December 26th, early afternoon. I was still pretty green, only three months in and the newest member of the obituary department. Back when everything was fresh and interesting, before I answered the phone with any bitterness in my voice. I volunteered to check the department voicemail. I thought it would be low-key the day after a holiday. The first message started at 6:30 a.m. A woman said…