Today is Ash Wednesday, which for Christians marks the start of the Lenten season before Easter.

To some people, Lent means little more than an abundance of fish frys at area churches and civic groups.

But to many, it means a time of prayer, penance and self-denial. Many Christians use the 40 days before Easter as a time to "give something up" or do something more.

For some, it may be abstinence from alcohol or sweets. For others, it may be attending extra church services or saying extra prayers.

Do you observe the season of Lent? If you do, do you try to give up something, or do something extra? And how successful have you been over the full 40 days in the past?