What to Give Up for Lent in 2025

Every year, as Ash Wednesday approaches, many Catholics ask themselves, "What should I give up for Lent?"
It’s a heartfelt question—and one that deserves prayerful reflection.

The purpose of Lenten sacrifice isn't self-punishment—it's about conversion. It's a spiritual exercise meant to purify our hearts, detach us from worldly things, and draw us closer to Christ.

If you're looking for inspiration on what to give up for Lent in 2025, here’s a curated list of traditional and modern ideas to help guide your decision.

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The 3 Pillars of Lent

Before choosing your Lenten sacrifice, remember the Church’s pillars of Lent:

1. Prayer – Deepening your relationship with God

2. Fasting – Detaching from physical comforts

3. Almsgiving – Giving to those in need

Let your sacrifice align with one of these three for the most spiritually fruitful experience.

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Traditional Things to Give Up for Lent

These time-honored sacrifices still hold powerful spiritual value today:

• 🍫 Chocolate or sweets

• ☕ Coffee (or your go-to latte)

• 🍷 Alcohol

• 🍔 Meat on more than just Fridays

• 📺 TV or streaming services

• 📱 Social media

• 🛍️ Online shopping or impulse purchases

• 🗣️ Gossip or negative talk

• 🛏️ Sleeping in (offer up that extra time to pray!)

• 🎵 Secular music

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Modern Lenten Fasts (Especially for Busy Catholics)

These ideas are great for Catholic women balancing family, career, and faith:

• ✋ Saying “yes” to too many things (fast from over-committing)

• 🧠 Negative self-talk

• 🖥️ Mindless scrolling or screen time

• 😤 Complaining or venting

• 💅 Vanity or focusing too much on appearance

• 💸 Unnecessary Amazon purchases

• 😬 Sarcasm or harsh language

• 💼 Workaholism (create space for silence or Adoration)

• 🕓 Rushing—slow down your pace intentionally

• 🔊 Constant noise (try silence in the car or at home)

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Spiritual Fasts: Going Deeper Than the Surface

Want your Lent to be genuinely transformative? Consider fasting from spiritual habits that may be holding you back:

• 🙏 Skipping prayer time

• 😔 Dwelling on past wounds instead of seeking healing

• 📖 Avoiding Scripture

• 😶 Withholding forgiveness

• 🤐 Staying silent when God calls you to speak truth

• 💤 Lukewarm faith

Instead of “giving up,” think about offering up—uniting your small sacrifice to Christ’s own.

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What to Do Instead of Just Giving Up Something

Lent isn’t only about subtraction—it’s also a chance to add something meaningful:

• 📖 Read one chapter of the Gospels daily

• 🕯️ Light a candle and pray the Rosary with yorosaryily each evening

• 🧎 Attend daily Mass once a week

• 🛐 Visit Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration

• 📝 Start a gratitude journal

• 👵 Call or visit a lonely family member weekly

• 💝 Choose a charitable cause to support as a family

• 💬 Learn a new prayer or devotion (like the Divine Mercy Chaplet)

• 🏠 Create a sacred space in your home for quiet time with God

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What to Give Up as a Family

Getting your whole household involved creates beautiful spiritual memories and accountability:

• 📱 Tech-free evenings for prayer, reading, and games

• 🎬 Swap movie night for a saint film or religious documentary

• 🗓️ Choose a weekly family service project

• 🙌 Offer up chores without complaining

• 💬 Share daily “God moments” at dinner

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What to Give Up for Lent Based on Your Spiritual Struggles

Not sure where to start? Ask yourself:

• What keeps me from feeling close to God?

• Where do I feel spiritually dry or disconnected?

• What worldly habit am I relying on for comfort?

That’s likely your answer.

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From Fasting to Fulfillment

We make space in our souls when we fast, and God always fills it with grace. As Pope Francis reminds us:

“Lent is a time for letting go of the burden that weighs us down… a time of grace to welcome God’s love.”
— Pope Francis, Lenten Message 2021

Your Lenten fast should help you become more loving, patient, humble, and Christ-centered.

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Spiritual Tools for Lent

Looking for items to support your Lenten journey?

✨ Explore these popular Lenten devotionals and gifts from Guadalupe Gifts:

• Crucifixes for prayer corners

• Rosaries handmade in the Holy Land

• Saint medals (like St. Joseph, St. Benedict, or Our Lady of Sorrows)

• Prayer journals for daily reflection

• Catholic art to uplift your home environment

🛒 Shop our Lent collection now →

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Approved Resources to Deepen Your Lenten Journey

Explore these trusted Catholic sources for more guidance:

1. USCCB: What is Lent?

2. Catholic Answers – Lent FAQs

3. EWTN – Lenten Reflections and Resources

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About Guadalupe Gifts

At Guadalupe Gifts, we’re more than an online Catholic shop—we’re a ministry. Every handcrafted Rosary, medal, and rosarywork in our collection is designed to help you grow and share that faith with others.

This Lent, find sacred gifts that inspire reflection, strengthen devotion, and renew your spiritual journey.