when do you give up something for lent

You give something up for Lent starting on Ash Wednesday , and you normally keep that sacrifice going every day until Easter (many stop either at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night or on Easter Sunday morning).

Key timing in one glance

• Lent begins: Ash Wednesday (46 days before Easter; 40 fasting days plus Sundays).

• Traditional fasting/”giving something up” period: From Ash Wednesday through Holy Week.

• When most people stop:
  • Either after the Easter Vigil (late on Holy Saturday) or
  • On Easter Sunday , when Lent is considered over and Easter begins.

So in practice, if you decide to give up chocolate, social media, or some other comfort for Lent, you would:

1. Choose it and commit before or on Ash Wednesday.
2. Begin your sacrifice on Ash Wednesday.
3. Continue it daily through to Easter , without breaking it on ordinary days.

Some Christians treat Sundays as mini “Easters” and relax their fast then, but others keep their Lenten sacrifice straight through; either approach is considered acceptable as long as it’s done thoughtfully and for spiritual growth.

Simple rule of thumb:
Start on Ash Wednesday , end at Easter , and keep your sacrifice focused on turning your heart toward God rather than just self-improvement.

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Wondering when you give up something for Lent? Learn the simple timing: when Lent starts, when to begin your sacrifice, and when it ends at Easter, plus how Sundays fit in.