Before the cake existed, French families would take a real grosse bûche (a giant log) from the orchard—usually cherry or oak—and parade it around the house three times. They would sprinkle it with wine and oil to bless the harvest, then burn it in the fireplace from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day. The ashes were kept to protect the house from lightning and evil spirits.
This year, skip the plastic Santa. Go outside. Find a pine cone. Roast a chestnut. Let the cold bite your cheeks. Then come inside to the warmth. french christmas celebration enature better
The "nature" of French celebrations extends beyond December 25th. The season officially concludes on January 6th with La Fête des Rois ), where families share a Galette des Rois Before the cake existed, French families would take