Admittedly, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the time of year, 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 enthusiastically shredding the program's earlier episodes to pieces. The general consensus held that a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she has returned with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – remain, but set of a yuletide episode, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing random tips, and delivering 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 an interesting figure, but her aura is known and oddly reassuring. And she seems content; she's causing any harm.
She is aware her every micro expression, word and glance will be picked apart and judged, but manages to seem carefree and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and flamboyant – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the example she sets appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she attempts, she pulls off with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the festive decoration she creates is gorgeous, her presents are practically too exquisite to open. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be won over, filled with festive joy and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the degree of scrutiny she has endured since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her unwillingness to alter or even soften her routine, even though it being so persistently, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a thought that will certainly come as a relief: you don't have to. We don't have the draft these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are consumed by jealousy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a duchess or a data administrator, no kid fully understands the dedication and labor their mum expends in December. So you can take heart by imagining the young royals' 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 sweet treat.
