I have always loved the advent candle wreaths and the crazy commercial advent calendars with the lame perforated doors you open and get a cheap surprise for the days leading to Christmas.  When I "matured" in my faith I understood the signifcance of the candles and appreciated the focus their meaning gave me as I spiritually prepared for the coming of Jesus.  Once I got to that point, Advent took on an entirely different meaning.  That said, I still love cheap advent calendars.