Admittedly, it's Brimming with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually open season for scrutiny 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 series' initial installments to shreds. The general consensus seemed to be a greater royal outrage had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a Christmas special). But this time, things have shifted. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – persist, but within the context of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and supplying 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems pleased; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her all subtle gestures, utterance and look will be dissected and scrutinized, but manages to seem relaxed and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Because, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Granted, it's all cringily ultra-extra, nonsense and over the top – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is all about? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Anything she attempts, she executes with panache. Her culinary efforts looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she crafts is stunning, her gifts are almost too pretty to unwrap. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be charmed, bursting with festive joy and left with a powerful yearning for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the intensity of examination she has faced ever since she met Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this naturally. Her refusal to change or even moderate her persona, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you don't have to. There isn't mandatory conscription anymore, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are overcome with envy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a royal or a office worker, few children completely grasps the effort and hard work their parent does in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by picturing the young royals' 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 chocolate.
