Indeed, it's Packed with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the season, it's constantly hunting season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, both professional and armchair, have seldom found such common ground as when eagerly tearing the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, as a festive rebel, she has returned once again with a "Festive Special" (aka a yuletide episode). Yet now, it's different. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – remain, but set of a Christmas special, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – dispensing random tips, and supplying the occasional strange exclamation. ("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 presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's not doing any harm.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, utterance and glance will be picked apart and criticised, but nonetheless looks carefree and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – may well be true. The reason is, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, nonsense and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent exactly what Yuletide is all about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the example she sets genuinely looks shop-bought.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with style. Her culinary efforts looks tasty, the wreath she creates is stunning, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to open. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – including the way she fastens her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but despite that, after the degree of scrutiny she has weathered since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her refusal to modify or even moderate her routine, despite it being so constantly, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a reminder that will surely come as a comfort: you aren't required to. We don't have the draft in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are consumed by envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a duchess or a office worker, no kid truly appreciates the dedication and labor their parent does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning 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, in place of a candy.
