Admittedly, it's Packed with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No matter the season, it's always fair game for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The prevailing view seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a Christmas special). Yet now, it's different. The usual elements audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but set of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at most festive family gatherings – providing random tips, and delivering the odd random outburst. ("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 strangely comforting. And she appears pleased; she's not doing a bit of damage.
She understands her all subtle gestures, syllable and glance will be dissected and criticised, but still appears relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Since, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Granted, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and flamboyant – but is that not precisely what the holiday season is about? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking seems authentically beautifully curated.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with flair. Her cooking looks tasty, the wreath she creates is stunning, her presents are nearly too beautiful to open. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she creases wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the form of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the level of examination she has endured since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her unwillingness to change or even soften her routine, regardless of it being so persistently, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you don't have to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and were it to return, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are gripped with jealousy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Be you a duchess or a office worker, hardly any child fully understands the effort and hard work their mother puts in in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning the young royals' 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 candy.
