Admittedly, it's Packed with Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's initial installments to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back for another round with a "Holiday Celebration" (also known as a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but set of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 quite a personality, but her presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she appears content; she's not doing any harm.
She understands her each tiny facial movement, syllable and glance will be dissected and judged, but still appears carefree and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Because, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent precisely what the holiday season is for? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the example she sets genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with panache. Her cooking looks delicious, the wreath she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Nothing is average or visually unappealing – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the oven, it "has a moment", and she creases gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, filled with festive joy and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but even so, after the degree of attention she has weathered since she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her decision to change or even tone down her persona, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a thought that will surely come as a comfort: you aren't required to. There isn't mandatory conscription anymore, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are gripped with envy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child completely grasps the time and energy their mum puts in in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a candy.
