Yes, it's Full of Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's constantly fair game for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the series' earlier episodes to pieces. The general consensus seemed to be a greater royal outrage had never been witnessed than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, as a festive rebel, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a Christmas special). But this time, things have shifted. The standard components audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but set of a yuletide episode, suddenly it all makes sense. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – offering random tips, and contributing 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 a bit of a character, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems content; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She is aware her every micro expression, syllable and glance will be dissected and criticised, but manages to seem relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Since, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and flamboyant – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is about? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking seems authentically impeccably styled.
Anything she attempts, she executes with flair. Her cooking looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she creates is gorgeous, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, 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 hate-watcher not be charmed, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the level of attention she has faced since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her refusal to alter or even moderate her persona, regardless of it being so persistently, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our volatile world, here is something we can rely 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 reminder that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you aren't required to. There isn't mandatory conscription anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are consumed by envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a royal or a data administrator, few children truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mum puts in in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning her children's faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
