Indeed, it's Full of Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually hunting season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, expert and amateur alike, have seldom found such common ground as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's first and second seasons apart. The prevailing view seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she has returned once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a holiday episode). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The standard components we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – remain, but set of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan is like the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and contributing 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 strangely comforting. And she looks happy enough; she's causing any harm.
She is aware her every micro expression, utterance and look will be analyzed and judged, but manages to seem relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Because, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Granted, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent exactly what the holiday season is all about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Whatever she attempts, she pulls off with flair. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she makes is breathtaking, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to open. Nothing is average or visually unappealing – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she creases gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the level of scrutiny she has weathered ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of acting royalty would struggle to act this genuinely. Her refusal to alter or even moderate her routine, regardless of it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a reminder that will surely come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. We don't have the draft in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are consumed by jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a duchess or a office worker, no kid completely grasps the effort and hard work their mother puts in in December. So you can console yourself by picturing her children's faces when they reveal a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a chocolate.
