Indeed, it's Packed with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the season, it's always hunting season for criticism on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when eagerly tearing the series' first and second seasons apart. The prevailing view held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, as a festive rebel, she has returned with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (also known as a yuletide episode). But this time, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients audiences anticipate – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt 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 quite a personality, but her presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she looks happy enough; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She understands her every micro expression, syllable and gaze will be dissected and criticised, but nonetheless looks carefree and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent just what the holiday season is all about? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the example she sets seems authentically beautifully curated.
Anything she attempts, she accomplishes with panache. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she makes is stunning, her presents are practically too exquisite to tear into. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she secures her apron is stylish and elegant. 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 throughout. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, overcome by festive joy and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but even so, after the degree of scrutiny she has faced from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this naturally. Her unwillingness to change or even soften her routine, even though it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will always know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a thought that will certainly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. We don't have the draft these days, and if there were, it would be improbable to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are gripped with jealousy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, hardly any child fully understands the effort and hard work their parent puts in in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by envisioning her children's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a chocolate.
