Pride? What are you giving up for Lent?!? I'm giving up chocolate! It is soooo hard!
My family and church (not RCC) observe Lent. There is no emphasis on fasting or giving something up, rather the emphasis is on the spiritual preparation for Holy Week and Easter. The sermons center around Christs final journey toward Jerusalem and the very significant miracles and discourses that happened during that time. I find it an edifying practice, but dont blame those who do not observe Lent
We also observe advent, but the emphasis is on preparation for Christs second coming. Preparing our hearts and meditating on the next physical appearance of our Lord while remembering the last. I find the rhythms of the liturgical church year add structure and enrich the worship services but ymmv.