With Christmas and Hannukah just around the corner everyone is getting into the "holiday spirit." People's smiles are getting bigger and they are becoming more talkative. Even with finals just a few weeks away people at school seem like they are in better moods. The only thing missing now is some sunshine!
However, even I get tired of the cheery atmosphere. One can only take so much happiness. This is why I feel that the article in the Times about Edgar Allen Poe is appropriate for this time of year. Edgar Allen Poe's writing may put a damper on the holiday season but sometimes people don't need to smile so much and maybe be filled with a little disenchantment before Christmas morning.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/arts/design/01poe.html