Yes, it's Packed with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually hunting season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the program's earlier episodes to shreds. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (or a holiday episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The standard components we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but within the context of a yuletide episode, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – providing unasked-for guidance, and delivering the odd random outburst. ("I love spinach!" … "A tradition has to have a beginning." … "A tree is part of my memory and love of the holiday season.") She's an interesting figure, but her company is customary and oddly reassuring. And she seems happy enough; she's inflicting any harm.
She is aware her every micro expression, utterance and gaze will be analyzed and judged, but nonetheless looks relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Since, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Granted, it's all painfully excessive, foolishness and flamboyant – but isn't that just what Christmas is all about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the example she sets appears to be beautifully curated.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with flair. Her recipes looks tasty, the festive decoration she makes is breathtaking, her presents are practically too exquisite to open. Nothing is average or visually unappealing – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she folds wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the form of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but even so, after the level of attention she has endured ever since she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her decision to alter or even soften her shtick, despite it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a reminder that will surely come as a relief: you don't have to. The UK has abolished the draft in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are gripped with longing about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a duchess or a everyday person, no kid fully understands the time and energy their mum does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by picturing the young royals' faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a chocolate.
