Why some people bath before dinner

I just wrote on Tonetoedo's question "LIving on Japanese Time?" on the Q&A section of City-cost, that I have never understood why some people in Japan eat dinner after their bath. That is not entirely true. Because I "understand" but just don't agree with the logic! Seen as today is one of several "Bath Day" in Japan, I thought I'd 'dive' in!

To me, by eating after your bath, you're just opening yourself up to getting dirty again!  But my husband is actually one of those people who chooses to have his daily bath before his dinner. He explained to me that for many people in Japan the bath isn't just about hygiene, it's a transition ritual and part of a broader cultural value "seiketsu" 清潔. It "washes off the day" before entering "home time". But for him, it's about relaxation. He likes to relax his body before eating. Moreover, sometimes he takes a drink with dinner, as he eats much later than the rest of the family, and he doesn't want to have to have a bath after that. Plus, having a bath after a full meal can feel uncomfortable and slow digestion.

He also explained to me, that for some people it's about keeping the bath water clean too! Seen as the bath is more about soaking, than cleaning. By eating after you prevent food smells invading the bath! There is also the historical element to it too. Years ago, the bath was heated by fire, and the fires were prepared early. There was no function on the bath like there is now (in Japan) to keep the water heated, so it made most sense to get into the bath while it was still hot. The pattern simply continued into modern life for some. 

When do you take your bath? Do you bath? I ask, because more often than not I just have a shower. I do love an onsen, but at home I tend to just shower.