Admittedly, it's Full of Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's always hunting season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the lifestyle show's initial installments to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned for another round with a "Festive Special" (also known as a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – persist, but framed of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing random tips, and delivering 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 an interesting figure, but her aura is known and strangely comforting. And she seems pleased; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her every micro expression, syllable and look will be analyzed and criticised, but still appears carefree and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – might be true. Because, in all honesty, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and over the top – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is for? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the life she leads seems authentically impeccably styled.
Whatever she attempts, she executes with style. Her recipes looks delicious, the wreath she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are almost too pretty to tear into. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she ties her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she creases wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be charmed, filled with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is positioned in the form of a festive circle?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the intensity of scrutiny she has endured since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her refusal to change or even tone down her routine, despite it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a point that will surely come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription in this country, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are consumed by jealousy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a duchess or a everyday person, no kid fully understands the time and energy their parent puts in in December. So you can console yourself by picturing her children's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a candy.
