ADVENT
Regarding advent, I have not used a book for advent, but have made use of various things here and there on the internet or elsewhere. If I recall, I have made use of a daily reading schedule (I have used the schedule from Catholic Online perhaps more than once). Along with the readings, we talk a little about what we read in relation to the comings of Christ and our relationship to those comings. Christ came 1st to Bethlehem, he came a 2nd time into my life, and will come a 3rd time in power and great glory for judgment. Am I walking worthily of my calling, or am I walking with Christ in my life today? Am I living in such a way that I am ready for his coming for judgment? The daily readings usually facilitate such conversation, though with a few readings it may be more difficult to see how they fit.
Advent and Lent are related in that they were both times of fasting and preparation, that is preparing our hearts and lives. In the west, the fasting side of Advent has diminished, or perhaps disappeared. In the east, Advent remains a 40 day period (as is Lent) of fasting and preparation.
Below are a number of links to articles related to advent. Along with advent, I included some links about St. Nicholas, the man upon whom Santa Claus is (very) loosely based. I hope this information is helpful.
Advent Readings
Catholic Online - The link below has daily readings for the Advent period. I have used this before, and probably used it last year.
http://www.catholic.org/clife/advent/advent.php?id=18
Focus on the Family - This site also has daily readings. They are not the same as the readings on Catholic Online.
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent.aspx
The Revised Common Lectionary - This site has Sunday readings, not daily readings. I don't remember for certain if I have used this before, either separately or in conjuction with the daily readings.
http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/lections.php?year=A&season=Advent
Meaning or Purpose of Advent
"The Bible readings listed below relate to the Advent themes of waiting, preparation, light in the darkness, and the coming of the promised Messiah."
http://www.catholic.org/clife/advent/advent.php?id=18
"In the Catholic Church, Advent is a period of preparation, extending over four Sundays, before Christmas. (For more details, see "When Does Advent Start?") The word Advent comes from the Latin advenio, "to come to," and refers to the coming of Christ. This refers, first of all, to our celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas; but second, to the coming of Christ in our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion; and finally, to His Second Coming at the end of time.
"Our preparations, therefore, should have all three comings in mind. We need to prepare our souls to receive Christ worthily."
http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Advent.htm
"What is Advent? An Introduction to Advent" - This is a long article. You may not want to read through it all, but it may be worth while to at least scroll through and read the section headings to see if anything catches your interest.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/introduction-to-advent/
http://www.catholic.org/clife/advent/advent.php?id=5
Nativity Fast (Orthodox Advent)
In the Orthodox church, Advent is slightly different than in the Western church. It is a full 40 days, is called Nativity Fast, and is also referred to as Little Lent.
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Nativity
"Advent, Our 'Little Lent'" By Fr. Patrick Cardine. "The coming of the Lord is always eventful; it is either for judgment or for salvation, but never without fire."
http://www.antiochian.org/content/advent-our-little-lent
St Nicholas (of Myra)
St. Nicholas Center: Discovering the Truth About Santa Claus
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/home/
"Who is St. Nicholas?" - This articles includes both stories about his life and things attributed to him after his death.
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/who-is-st-nicholas/
"Was St. Nicholas a Real Person?" - A brief summary of the more certain facts about the life of Nicholas of Myra.
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/real-person/
"Nicholas, an Advent Saint" - With some background knowledge of the stories about Nicholas, this short article has some good thoughts about Advent and St. Nicholas' relation to it.
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/advent-saint/
"Santa Claus and St. Nicholas" - an interesting brief comparison of the two.
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/compare-santa-st-nicholas/
"SAINT NICHOLAS OF MYRA BISHOP, CONFESSOR C. 342" - This article gives information about the life of Nicholas.
http://www.ewtn.com/library/mary/nicholas.htm
"Nicholas of Myra" - a brief article
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicholas_of_Myra
