Admittedly, it's Packed with Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Christmas Special.
No matter the season, it's constantly open season 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 program's first and second seasons 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.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned once again with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a Christmas special). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but set of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan has become the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – offering random tips, and supplying 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she looks pleased; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She knows her all subtle gestures, syllable and look will be analyzed and judged, but nonetheless looks relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. The reason is, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and over the top – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is all about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the life she leads appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with style. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the wreath she makes is stunning, her gifts are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is average or ugly – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she folds wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, filled with holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the intensity of examination she has faced since she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to alter or even tone down her persona, despite it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you don't have to. We don't have mandatory conscription anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are consumed by longing about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a duchess or a office worker, few children fully understands the dedication and labor their parent expends in December. So you can take heart by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a chocolate.
