Indeed, it's Full of Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the time of year, it's always open season 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 series' first and second seasons to pieces. The general consensus held that a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she is back for another round with a "Festive Special" (aka a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – remain, but within the context of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and oddly reassuring. And she looks pleased; she's not doing a bit of damage.
She knows her all subtle gestures, word and look will be dissected and criticised, but nonetheless looks relaxed and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent exactly what the holiday season is for? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the example she sets appears to be impeccably styled.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she executes with style. Her recipes looks delicious, the wreath she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are almost too pretty to unwrap. Nothing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she fastens her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", 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 charmed, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the level of scrutiny she has weathered since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her decision to alter or even soften her routine, despite it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, come what may. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a point that will certainly come as a relief: you don't have to. We don't have the draft these days, and were it to return, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are consumed by jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a duchess or a office worker, hardly any child completely grasps the effort and hard work their mother expends in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
