Indeed, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually fair game for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's initial installments to pieces. The general consensus was that a greater royal outrage had never been witnessed than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back for another round with a "Christmas Special" (or a holiday episode). However on this occasion, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – are still present, but framed of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
By this point, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, 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 an interesting figure, but her presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks pleased; she's not doing any harm.
She understands her each tiny facial movement, syllable and gaze will be analyzed and criticised, but still appears unburdened and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. The reason is, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is delightful. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and over the top – but doesn't that represent exactly what Yuletide is for? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the life she leads seems authentically beautifully curated.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the festive decoration she crafts is breathtaking, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't toss a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the level of attention she has weathered from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her decision to alter or even tone down her shtick, despite it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, come what may. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a point that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. There isn't national service anymore, and if there were, it would be improbable to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are gripped with jealousy about her flawless Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, few children truly appreciates the effort and hard work their parent expends in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
