Indeed, it's Packed with Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's always fair game for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have seldom found such common ground as when eagerly tearing the program's earlier episodes apart. The general consensus seemed to be a greater royal outrage had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she has returned for another round with a "Christmas Special" (aka a Christmas special). But this time, it's different. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – persist, but within the context of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan has become the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, 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 company is customary and oddly reassuring. And she seems happy enough; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, utterance and gaze will be dissected and judged, but still appears unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Since, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Granted, it's all painfully excessive, nonsense and extravagant – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is all about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Anything she sets her mind to, she executes with style. Her recipes looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she crafts is stunning, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to open. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she fastens her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she creases gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the intensity of attention she has endured ever since she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this naturally. Her unwillingness to modify or even soften her persona, despite it being so persistently, widely parodied, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription in this country, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are overcome with envy about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, hardly any child truly appreciates the time and energy their parent does in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
