According  to Chatgpt, Halloween was invented 2,000 years ago by the UK, Ireland and northern France. Halloween was originally called Sahain; it marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.it was believed that people on October 31st would light bonfires and wear costumes to scare ghosts off. (This is more the Halloween we know today.)

Thanksgiving, on the other hand, came into existence in 1621 when English pilgrims and America’s Wampanoag natives shared a feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It became an official holiday in 1863 with President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation. Ultimately, Thanksgiving has been around longer.  (1600s -Thanksgiving versus 1800’s Halloween.) 

 So, what are the pros and cons of Halloween: 

Pros: 

• Fun and Creativity: Halloween allows people of all ages to be creative and have fun with costumes and decorations. It encourages self-expression and imagination. 
• Community and Socializing: Halloween often involves neighborhood or community events, such as trick-or-treating, costume parties, and haunted houses, which can bring people together and promote social interaction. 
• Candy and Treats: For children, one of the biggest pros of Halloween is the opportunity to collect and enjoy lots of candy and treats. 
• Escapism: Halloween offers a chance to temporarily escape reality and embrace a more whimsical, spooky, or fantastical world. 

Cons: 

• Safety Concerns: There are safety concerns related to Halloween, particularly for children, including pedestrian safety, tampered candy, and costume-related accidents. 
• Cultural Appropriation: Some costumes can be culturally insensitive or offensive, leading to concerns about cultural appropriation. 
• Environmental Impact: The production and disposal of Halloween costumes and decorations can have negative environmental impacts. 

So, what are the pros and cons of Thanksgiving: 

Pros: 

• Gratitude: Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we are thankful for and express gratitude for the good things in our lives. 
• Family and Friends: It often brings together family and friends for a special meal and quality time, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. 
• Food and Traditions: Thanksgiving meals are a delicious tradition that many people look forward to, with dishes like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. 
• Community Service: Some people engage in volunteer work and community service during Thanksgiving, which can have a positive impact on society. 

Cons: 

• Historical Context: Thanksgiving’s historical origins involve the colonization of Native American lands and the mistreatment of indigenous peoples, which can be a source of controversy and discomfort for some. 
• Overindulgence: The focus on food and the tradition of overeating can lead to unhealthy habits and contribute to food wastage. 
• Commercialization: Thanksgiving has become increasingly commercialized, with the “Black Friday” shopping frenzy beginning on the same day, which some argue detracts from the holiday’s original spirit. 
• Stress and Family Tensions: For some, Thanksgiving gatherings can be stressful and may involve family conflicts or tensions. 

The Pony Express News conducted a random open-ended survey of students asking which holiday students would prefer — Thanksgiving or Halloween.  These are some of the responses: 

“Individual experiences can vary widely. The pros and cons are subjective and depend on personal perspectives and circumstances,” one respondent said. 

“Halloween has a age limit, at a certain point its frowned upon people who are older & go out to trick or treat. Thanksgiving doesn’t have a age limit and has lots of delicious food” Victor Prado, Morton West senior, said. 

 I prefer thanksgiving because when you get older you will choose thanksgiving over Halloween all the kids prefer the candy over the food,” Mr. Tony Asay, Morton East English teacher, said.