Christmas, in its most sacred Christian interpretation, is about vulnerability—a newborn child, naked and swaddled, lying in a feeding trough. The nudist celebration is a mirror of that vulnerability. When you remove the armor of clothing, you also remove the armor of pretense. Arguments about politics dissolve when everyone is equally exposed. The rich banker and the schoolteacher share the same towel. The teenager, usually self-conscious about acne or body shape, finds that in this space, no one cares.
The International Naturist Federation (INF), founded in France in 1953, defines naturism as "a way of life in harmony with nature, characterized by the practice of communal nudity, with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others, and for the environment." Christmas, in its most sacred Christian interpretation, is
Coming soon: Part 2 – Hot Dishes and Cold Breezes: A Night at the Naked Réveillon. Arguments about politics dissolve when everyone is equally
Interestingly, most French naturist Christmas dinners invoke a unique compromise known locally as la règle du tablier ("The Apron Rule"). While full nudity is maintained for the 364 other days of the year, during the preparation of hot food—specifically frying or flambéing—a heavy cotton apron is mandatory. As one chef explained, "I respect nature, but I respect my skin more. Boiling chestnuts wait for no one." As one chef explained
By Philippe LeClerc (Guest Contributor to Naturist Life )