Indeed, it's Full of Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Love Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the time of year, it's always fair game for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, both professional and armchair, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the program's first and second seasons to pieces. The prevailing view seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, as a festive rebel, she has returned with a new offering with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a holiday episode). Yet now, things have shifted. The usual elements we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but framed of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unasked-for guidance, 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 a bit of a character, but her aura is known and oddly reassuring. And she seems content; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, word and glance will be dissected and judged, but still appears unburdened and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. Since, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is delightful. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is about? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the life she leads genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she executes with style. Her recipes looks delicious, the wreath she crafts is breathtaking, her presents are almost too pretty to unwrap. Nothing is ordinary or visually unappealing – even the way she ties her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a dish in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be won over, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where greens is positioned in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the level of examination she has weathered from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this genuinely. Her refusal to change or even tone down her routine, despite it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will forever know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a point that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. We don't have national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are overcome with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a royal or a office worker, few children fully understands the time and energy their mother does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning the young royals' faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, in place of a chocolate.
