Yes, it's Full of Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually open season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the program's first and second seasons to shreds. The general consensus seemed to be a greater royal outrage had never been witnessed than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, as a festive rebel, she is back with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (aka a holiday episode). However on this occasion, the dynamic has changed. The standard components we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – persist, but framed of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
By this point, Meghan has become the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – offering random tips, 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 company is customary and oddly reassuring. And she appears content; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She understands her every micro expression, word and gaze will be analyzed and criticised, but still appears relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Granted, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent exactly what the holiday season is for? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the life she leads appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with flair. Her cooking looks delicious, the wreath she crafts is breathtaking, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Not a single thing is average or visually unappealing – even the way she secures her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, bursting with festive joy and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but despite that, after the degree of scrutiny she has faced ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this naturally. Her decision to change or even soften her shtick, despite it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will forever know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a reminder that will certainly come as a relief: you aren't required to. We don't have the draft these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are consumed by envy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a royal or a office worker, hardly any child truly appreciates the effort and hard work their parent puts in in December. So you can console yourself by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a candy.
