Indeed, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the time of year, it's perpetually fair game for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have seldom found such common ground as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's initial installments apart. The common opinion held that a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she has returned once again with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a holiday episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but framed of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – dispensing random tips, 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears happy enough; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her all subtle gestures, word and gaze will be picked apart and criticised, but nonetheless looks carefree and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the first occasion in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Because, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Granted, it's all painfully excessive, foolishness and over the top – but isn't that just what the holiday season is for? And the talk she's talking might be absurd, but the life she leads appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with style. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the wreath she creates is stunning, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – including the way she secures her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she creases wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where greens is positioned in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, of course, but despite that, after the intensity of attention she has endured from the moment she met Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her unwillingness to alter or even soften her routine, even though it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription anymore, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are consumed by longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. If you are a royal or a office worker, hardly any child truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by imagining her children's faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a candy.
