Christmas is a wonderful time of jubilee. But for many, it can be a stressful or lonely. Thankfully Easter isn’t usually wrapped up in those entrapments. We are free to enjoy the Easter season as is. You are free to get to the heart of Easter with your family and make Easter more important than Christmas. One easy way to do this is to give something up for Lent as a family.
Why Should You Give Something Up for Lent? That Doesn’t Sound Fun or Celebratory!
You should give up something for Lent as a family because it takes the focus of yourselves and puts it in it’s proper place–on Jesus. Before you decide this isn’t for you, let me make sure you know that Lent is not only for Catholics. The New Testament clearly talks about fasting, a time of giving things up. In fact, it says “WHEN you fast,” not “if.”
And WHEN YOU FAST, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 ESV
I grew up in an area with lots of Catholic families, but the practice of Lent always seemed strange and burdensome to me. As I got older and forged my own way, I realized that was actually the point. Jesus survived 40 days of temptation in the desert for us. Giving up something for 40 days for Him isn’t a requirement. It just helps us be a little more aware of what He did for us. Self-denial gives us a chance to turn to Him and ask for strength when we are tempted. It can be an opportunity to quote scripture for strength just as Jesus did. If you give something up for Lent, it is a great example to our children that they can say “no” to things they want. In a world of instant gratification, that is a really important lesson!
In a world of instant gratification, giving something up for Lent is an example to our children that we can say “no” to things that we want. Click To TweetWhat Could Your Family Give Up for Lent?
- Television
- Ice cream or desserts
- Technology time (or 1 particular device or social media outlet)
- Any music that isn’t Christian
- Snacking between meals
- Eating Out
- Junk Food
- Complaining
- Anything you struggle with as a family or wish you didn’t do so much.
Practical Tips to Help You Give Something Up for Lent as a Family
- If you plan on giving something up as a family, make sure you read the scripture about Jesus’ temptation. (Matthew 4:1-11) Discuss it and connect it to why you are making this choice. You could even read on in your Bible to discover how this time prepared Jesus right before He began His earthly ministry. This time of Lent could be preparing your family for great things too!
- Decide on what you want to give up together. Suddenly dropping the bomb that there is no TV for 40 days might get you an angry mob on your hands. Decide together and help each other. Replace what you give up with something good. If you are giving up something that takes time, like television, you could replace it with family time. Game nights, reading great literature aloud, or even singing and playing music together would be much more fun than the TV!
- Don’t just give something up for 40 days and never revisit it. Use this opportunity to strengthen and encourage each other. Reread the scripture together occasionally (or when you hear whining!). Memorize together the verses Jesus used to fight temptation.
- Take advantage of Sunday “off” days during Lent. Sunday is the day Jesus rose, so it is set aside for celebration. If your family gave up ice cream, by all means, have a Sundaes on Sunday party! Make Jesus a real celebration!
Final Thoughts on Why You Should Give Up Something For Lent
Without Easter, there would be no Christmas. We would have nothing to celebrate because that precious little baby in a stable wouldn’t have done anything of life-altering, eternal consequence. Easter is the real star. It deserves more than an Easter egg hunt, fancy clothes, a basket of goodies, and a special church service. All too often we celebrate the SEASON of Christmas and Easter DAY. Since Easter is more important that Christmas, let’s make it a season to remember! A (somewhat) easy way to do this is to give up something for Lent as a family.
We would love to hear what your family is planning to give up for Lent. Please let us know in the comments below. Stop back by or visit us on Facebook to let us know how it is going!
For other ideas about making Easter memorable, please check out Fantastic Easter Resources for Your Family and Easter Bible Journal Printables for Kids. May this be your best Easter season yet!
This post is a part of the 40 Days of Seeking Him Link-Up. Check it out for more seasonal inspiration! Come find more link-ups here!
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Andrea says
There’s a lot of great ideas for all Christians in this post!
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Heather Hart says
I’ve always loved the idea behind lent, but have never taken part.
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Beka says
I’ve never observed Lent but have been interested in it. Thanks for the good ideas! This mighty be something we can try out.
LauraOinAK says
So many great ideas for the family!
” Self-denial gives us a chance to turn to Him and ask for strength when we are tempted.” this is a great summary of why we make different sacrifices in the Catholic Church. What some people forget is the reason behind it. And, that sometimes it is giving up time to do something that draws you closer to Christ that needs to happen.
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Elizabeth Marshall says
This is an interesting idea. I have always been taught that fasting when we are referring to the action in the Bible is from food which would be difficult with children. The idea of giving up something nonfood related as a family might be a good way to make the point without infringing on the nutritional needs of kids. Thanks for the ideas.
Maria Hass says
I’m going to run this by the hubby so we can decide on something. I’ve always done lent on my own. I think it’s a great opportunity to grow. I want to teach my kids to sacrifice, and to fast, and to seek God without distractions. I also don’t want to put an unreasonable burden on them… Thanks for posting! It definitely gave me plenty to think about.
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Grace says
A few years ago I was challenged to rather than give up something for lent like chocolate or soda (my typical go-tos) I was encouraged to add something that would draw me closer to God, like daily Bible time, prayer, journaling etc. I could never have been prepared for how much more meaningful that lent season was for me than the others!
Kristi says
I love the idea of giving up something to spend more time with Jesus!
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Samantha says
Surrender to God is so important. I love that you challenged us and gave practical tips to practice that!
admin says
Thanks. I’m all about being practical!
angie says
what a great idea and when you are all missing what you give up it would be a great time for family time doing something else making the most of your time
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Linda says
Very helpful tips you have here Tara. These are important moments to help us remember who sacrificed his life for us.
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