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Why I’m Giving Up Netflix for Lent this Year

February 9, 2016 By Maria Gavin - 6 Comments

Ash Wednesday is tomorrow and I usually spend most of Fat Tuesday trying to figure out what exactly I will be giving up for Lent. I debate all day and try and think of something new, then fall back on my old standby: pop. It’s been like this for years. Once I gave up popcorn. Another time I gave up ice cream. I’m embarrassed to admit that a few years ago I was going through a really tough time and I gave up nothing because I was so sad on a daily basis. Taking away comfort foods seemed out of the question. But for the most part, I say goodbye to pop for 40 days. My brother often does the same thing and we clink our glasses of Mountain Dew (him) and Coca Cola (me) together during our family Easter dinner.

This year, though, I’m giving up something different. I wanted to think outside of the box and put aside something non-edible that I really enjoy. I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how much time I spend in front of a screen. I know it’s unhealthy, but that doesn’t stop me from constantly engaging with screens. My cell phone and computer are one thing. They are both tied extensively to the blogs, my TpT store, and my social media accounts. Yes, all of those things bring me joy, but they are tied to my business and are necessary for our livelihood. The satisfaction I get from doing my work is just an added bonus and not something I feel compelled to sacrifice.

Why I'm Giving Up Netflix for Lent this Year

There is, however, another type of screen that I engage with far too often: the TV screen. Specifically, the binge-watching of Netflix on my TV and iPad. Much like blogging, TV also brings me joy. And like most other adults my age, binge-watching my latest TV show has become my favorite pastime. Even as I type this post on my Macbook, my living room TV is turned on and paused in the middle of an episode of Parks and Recreation. I am alternating my attention between two different TV screens. I often watch Netflix on my iPad while I curl my hair, apply my makeup and get dressed each morning. Cooking dinner in the kitchen? Netflix keeps me company. I watch entirely too much TV. And unlike my time spent blogging or working on social media, I have nothing to show for my time. Binge watching Netflix is completely unhealthy, fills my head with fictional nonsense and drastically reduces my productivity.

Am I giving up TV completely for Lent? No. Just Netflix. I will still allow myself to unwind a little each day by catching the latest episode of my current TV shows. Will I start to binge-watch a new show on Hulu? No again. Burying myself in a new binge-watching platform completely erodes my Lenten sacrifice and I’m not looking for a loophole to cheat the system.

And if you’re doing the math as you read this post, yes. I know. I will have to wait til’ Easter to watch “Fuller House.” That part might kill me a little, but I’ll survive somehow.

Just in case you’re wondering … Rob isn’t giving up Netflix for Lent. He does not share my great love of television and spends far more time with his nose in a book than his eyes on a screen. This is purely my Lenten sacrifice. Rob will have to wait for Easter to arrive so we can watch “House of Cards” together. It’s one of the few shows that we enjoy watching together.

So how will I spend my time? I’m hoping to shift my morning time getting ready back to how it used to be. I often have my best ideas when my mind wanders while I curl my hair. The morning downtime is also a chance to listen to some of my favorite podcasts (like This American Life and ProBlogger).

In the evenings, I plan to spend more time enjoying our latest recreational pastime: jigsaw puzzles.

puzzle-6

Our Darth Vader puzzle was completed long ago and our new puzzle is scheduled to arrive today. Rob and I decided that da Vinci’s portrayal of The Last Supper would be a perfect fit for the Lenten season. I’m excited to spend some screen-free quality time with my husband while we work on the puzzle. You’re welcome to “steal our idea” and spend some quality jigsaw puzzle time with your family too this Lent. Click on the image below to purchase the same puzzle or find a different (easier) puzzle of The Last Supper on Amazon. (Each of these links are affiliate links to shop on Amazon that help to financially support our blog.)

The Last Supper Jigsaw Puzzle

What are your Lenten plans? Do you prefer to give something up or do acts of service for others? Do you think you’ll join us in our Lenten jigsaw puzzle? Do you love to watch TV as much as I do? Could you give up Netflix for 40 days? I have so many questions for you! Please share your thoughts and Lenten traditions in the comments. Rob and I would love to read what you and your family do.

Why I'm Giving Up Netflix for Lent this year

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Filed Under: About Us, Entertainment, Faith Tagged With: Faith, lent, netflix, sacrifice

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  1. Jessie says

    February 9, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    Best of luck to you! I’ve been trying to decide all day what to give up. Awhile ago it was “fries and cupcakes” which (trust me here) was incredibly difficult (but worth it!). I might do that again, but wondering if I should go all out with “no bread, no sugary desserts.”

    PS: I gave up cokes for lent one year in high school and haven’t had one since!

    Reply
  2. Kristy says

    February 9, 2016 at 9:02 pm

    Very proud of you! I am going to tackle the journey of “the best Lent ever” from Dynamic Catholic :) plus my goal is to eat clean! Cheers to your sacrafice and praying for everyone to have a blessed Lenten season.

    Reply
  3. Kate says

    February 9, 2016 at 9:59 pm

    Good luck! I’m not giving up Netflix completely, but am cutting myself off from technology at 8 to read, journal, and pray before bed. I usually fall asleep to tv so this will be tough, but I am excited for the challenge.

    Reply
  4. Stephanie says

    February 10, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    My husband and I watch a lot of Netflix and should probably give it up…but we are just going to limit it for now and make other sacrifices. I’m giving up sugar and getting up at 6 every day to pray. Good luck to you! I like your puzzle idea too. I’ve been trying to think of something to do together besides watch tv. :)

    Reply
    • Maria Gavin says

      February 10, 2016 at 4:50 pm

      I’m proud of you for giving up sugar. That is HUGE. I highly recommend doing a jigsaw puzzle. We love working on ours! Best of luck on your sacrifices.

      Reply
  5. Joannah says

    February 13, 2016 at 10:21 am

    Instead of giving something up, I’m renewing my commitment to read my Bible daily. :)

    Reply

 Rob and Maria from Crazy Together

A nerd and a perfectionist fall in love.
This is our story.

Rob's a self-proclaimed nerd, Maria is a fashion-conscious stay at home mama, Dessa the super-silly big sister and baby Harvey makes us a family of four.

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