Indeed, it's Full of Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's constantly 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 enthusiastically shredding the program's first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the notorious snack re-labeling incident.
Presently, as a festive rebel, she has returned with a new offering with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a holiday episode). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but framed of a Christmas special, it all clicks into place. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan has become the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – dispensing random tips, and contributing 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 quite a personality, but her aura is known and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's causing any harm.
She understands her each tiny facial movement, syllable and gaze will be dissected and judged, but manages to seem unburdened and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – may well be true. The reason is, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent exactly what the holiday season is all about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking appears to be shop-bought.
Whatever she attempts, she executes with style. Her cooking looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she makes is stunning, her presents are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Nothing is average or visually unappealing – including the way she fastens her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she creases gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be won over, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is positioned in the form of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the degree of examination she has endured ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her refusal to change or even tone down her routine, regardless of it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, come what may. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a point that will surely come as a reassurance: you don't have to. We don't have mandatory conscription anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are consumed by envy about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, few children fully understands the effort and hard work their mother puts in in December. So you can console yourself by imagining her children's faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
