Most Common Things People Give Up for Lent
Giving something up for Lent is one of the most widely recognised traditions of the season. While Lent is about more than sacrifice alone, many people choose to temporarily step away from everyday comforts or habits as a way to practise self-discipline, reflection, and intentional living in the lead-up to Easter.
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⭐ Recommended Products & Ideas — Getting Ready for Lent
• Lent Devotional Book or Journal
A thoughtful guide for reflection, daily readings, and spiritual growth throughout the 40-day Lent period — perfect for personal use or as a gift.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Lenten Recipe & Meal Inspiration Book
Filled with meat-free and simple meals that fit traditional Lenten practices — great for planning weekly meals and keeping cooking interesting.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Lent Calendar & Tracker
A visual calendar or printable tracker to help you mark each day of Lent, reflect on intentions, and stay grounded through the season.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Meat-Free / Plant-Based Pantry Essentials
Stock up on versatile staples like legumes, grains, pasta, and plant-based proteins to support simple, wholesome meals throughout Lent.
👉 Click here to see top options
• Charity & Giving Reminder Kit
A giving jar, cards, or a charity planner to help you focus on generosity and service during Lent — whether through donations, acts of kindness, or intentional habits.
👉 Click here to see top options
These are the most common things people give up for Lent, both traditionally and in modern life, especially in the UK.
Why Do People Give Things Up for Lent?
The purpose of giving something up is not punishment. It is about:
- Creating space for reflection
- Practising self-control
- Breaking unhealthy habits
- Preparing spiritually for Easter
The most common sacrifices tend to be things people enjoy regularly or rely on without thinking.
1. Chocolate and Sweets
Chocolate is consistently one of the most popular things people give up for Lent.
Why it’s common:
- It’s a daily treat for many
- Easy to notice when it’s gone
- Encourages moderation and self-control
Many people replace sweets with fruit or simply reduce snacking altogether.
2. Alcohol
Giving up alcohol is another very common Lenten choice.
Why people choose it:
- Alcohol is linked with relaxation and social habits
- It encourages reflection on consumption
- It often improves sleep and wellbeing
Some give up alcohol completely, while others limit it to special occasions.
3. Social Media
In recent years, social media has become one of the most common modern Lenten sacrifices.
Why it’s popular:
- Reduces distraction
- Frees up time
- Improves focus and mental wellbeing
Some people limit use rather than quitting entirely.
4. Takeaways and Fast Food
Giving up takeaways fits closely with Lent’s focus on simplicity.
Why it’s common:
- Encourages home cooking
- Reduces spending
- Supports mindful eating
This is often combined with meat-free meals during Lent.
5. Snacks and Crisps
Many people give up unnecessary snacking rather than full meals.
Why it works:
- Targets habits rather than hunger
- Encourages mindful eating
- Easier to maintain for 40 days
6. Fizzy Drinks
Fizzy drinks are another frequent choice.
Why people give them up:
- High sugar content
- Habit-driven consumption
- Easy to replace with water or squash
7. Meat (Beyond Fridays)
Some people choose to give up meat entirely for Lent, not just on Fridays.
Why it’s chosen:
- Aligns with traditional Lent practices
- Encourages simple, plant-based meals
- Reflects sacrifice and restraint
8. Screen Time (TV, Streaming, Gaming)
Beyond social media, many people reduce overall screen time.
Why it’s common:
- Encourages presence and family time
- Reduces passive habits
- Creates space for reflection
9. Swearing or Negative Language
Non-food sacrifices are increasingly popular.
Why people choose this:
- Encourages mindfulness
- Improves communication
- Positively affects relationships
10. Spending Money on Non-Essentials
Some people give up impulse spending during Lent.
Why it’s meaningful:
- Encourages gratitude and simplicity
- Frees money for charity
- Reduces material focus
What About Giving Something Up for the Whole Family?
Families often choose shared sacrifices such as:
- No sweets during the week
- Fewer screens in the evening
- One meat-free day together
- Daily acts of kindness
These help children understand Lent in a positive way.
Is Giving Something Up Required?
No. Giving something up is optional, not mandatory. Some people prefer to:
- Take on a positive habit
- Volunteer
- Donate to charity
- Spend more time reflecting
All approaches fit within the spirit of Lent.
Why These Sacrifices Are So Common
The most common Lenten sacrifices share three things:
- They affect daily life
- They require conscious choice
- They encourage reflection
This is why familiar comforts and habits are often chosen.
Final Thoughts
The most common things people give up for Lent include chocolate, alcohol, social media, takeaways, snacks, and screen time. These choices reflect everyday habits that are easy to notice and meaningful to pause.
Ultimately, the best thing to give up for Lent is something that helps you slow down, reflect, and grow — not something that simply feels difficult for the sake of it.