Yes, it's Full of Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's constantly fair game for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the series' initial installments to shreds. The prevailing view seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (or a Christmas special). Yet now, things have shifted. The usual elements audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – persist, but set of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come together; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – providing random tips, and delivering the periodic peculiar declaration. ("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 quite a personality, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems pleased; she's not doing any harm.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, syllable and glance will be picked apart and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Since, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and over the top – but is that not exactly what Christmas is about? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the walk she's walking seems authentically beautifully curated.
Whatever she attempts, she pulls off with style. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the wreath she makes is stunning, her gifts are almost too pretty to open. Nothing is average or ugly – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the level of scrutiny she has weathered from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her unwillingness to alter or even moderate her shtick, despite it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're still not buying what she's selling, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are gripped with longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, few children completely grasps the effort and hard work their mother does in December. So you can find comfort by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, instead of a chocolate.
