Admittedly, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Love Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the season, it's always fair game for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the series' initial installments to shreds. The general consensus seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the notorious snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she has returned for another round with a "Christmas Special" (or a Christmas special). But this time, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – persist, but set of a holiday show, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan is like the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – providing random tips, and supplying the odd random outburst. ("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 company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears happy enough; she's causing any harm.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, utterance and gaze will be dissected and scrutinized, but still appears carefree and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. Because, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and flamboyant – but is that not just what Christmas is about? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the example she sets seems authentically impeccably styled.
Anything she sets her mind to, she executes with panache. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Nothing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she folds gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where greens is arranged in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but despite that, after the degree of scrutiny she has endured from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would struggle to act this naturally. Her unwillingness to alter or even moderate her routine, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're still not buying what she's selling, a thought that will surely come as a relief: you don't have to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are overcome with longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a royal or a office worker, no kid fully understands the effort and hard work their mother expends in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning her children's faces when they reveal a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a sweet treat.
