Admittedly, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the season, it's always open season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the series' initial installments to shreds. The prevailing view was that a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Festive Special" (aka a Christmas special). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but within the context of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan has become the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – 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 a bit of a character, but her aura is known and oddly reassuring. And she looks content; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She understands her every micro expression, utterance and gaze will be dissected and judged, but nonetheless looks unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – might be true. The reason is, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and over the top – but is that not precisely what the holiday season is about? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the walk she's walking appears to be impeccably styled.
Whatever she attempts, she executes with flair. Her recipes looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she makes is gorgeous, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she fastens her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she creases gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where greens is positioned in the shape of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, obviously, but even so, after the degree of scrutiny she has faced from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to alter or even soften her routine, despite it being so constantly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, come what may. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're still not buying what she's selling, a reminder that will surely come as a relief: you are not obligated to. There isn't national service anymore, and were it to return, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are overcome with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, no kid truly appreciates the time and energy their mum does in December. So you can find comfort by imagining 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, rather than a chocolate.
