Ash Wednesday Coming This Week

Lent is coming up. This is a long and venerable tradition for Christians in Western civilization. Many of our holidays in the U.S. are descended from Christian roots, but our society is more secular these days than in past ages. Consequently, we are increasingly selective about which holidays we celebrate, keeping the fun holidays that tend to make us over-indulgent and fat while neglecting those that encourage self-discipline and restraint. Few know, for example, that Christmas is traditionally preceeded by Advent, which is a time of penance and sacrifice to prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ with feasts and gifts/ Mike McCall , North Idaho College Sentinel. More here. (AP file photo for illustrative purposes)

Question: Do you observe Lent and/or participate in Mardi Gras activities? What do you give up for Lent?