Indeed, it's Full of Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the series' initial installments to shreds. The general consensus was that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (or a Christmas special). But this time, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but framed of a holiday show, suddenly it all makes sense. The pieces have fallen together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – providing unasked-for guidance, and contributing the occasional strange exclamation. ("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 presence is familiar and strangely comforting. And she looks pleased; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her every micro expression, word and glance will be picked apart and judged, but nonetheless looks relaxed and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and extravagant – but isn't that exactly what the holiday season is for? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the life she leads appears to be impeccably styled.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with style. Her recipes looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she makes is stunning, her presents are practically too exquisite to tear into. Not a single thing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she creases gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where greens is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the level of scrutiny she has endured since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her unwillingness to modify or even tone down her persona, regardless of it being so constantly, widely parodied, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a reminder that will surely come as a comfort: you aren't required to. We don't have the draft in this country, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are consumed by envy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a duchess or a everyday person, no kid completely grasps the time and energy their parent expends in December. So you can console yourself by envisioning the young royals' faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a candy.
