Indeed, it's Packed with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's constantly open season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's earlier episodes to shreds. The general consensus held that a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the notorious snack re-labeling incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back once again with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a yuletide episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – remain, but framed of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering random tips, and supplying 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 a bit of a character, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks content; she's inflicting the slightest hurt.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, utterance and look will be picked apart and judged, but nonetheless looks relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. The reason is, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is for? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with panache. Her recipes looks tasty, the wreath she makes is gorgeous, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she ties her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she creases wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, filled with festive joy and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where broccoli is arranged in the form of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the degree of scrutiny she has endured ever since she started dating Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this genuinely. Her unwillingness to change or even soften her shtick, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a thought that will certainly come as a relief: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished the draft anymore, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you decide to tune in and are gripped with envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, hardly any child truly appreciates the time and energy their parent does in December. So you can take heart by imagining her children's faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a sweet treat.
