Yes, it's Full of Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually open season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the series' first and second seasons to pieces. The common opinion held that a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she has returned with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a Christmas special). However on this occasion, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements audiences anticipate – meaningless jargon salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but framed of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan has become the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – providing unasked-for guidance, 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 a bit of a character, but her presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears happy enough; she's causing a bit of damage.
She understands her all subtle gestures, word and gaze will be dissected and judged, but nonetheless looks relaxed and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Since, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and extravagant – but isn't that just what Christmas is about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking appears to be beautifully curated.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with panache. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she creates is stunning, her gifts are practically too exquisite to tear into. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she ties her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't bung a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she wraps wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, obviously, but even so, after the intensity of examination she has weathered ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this genuinely. Her unwillingness to alter or even moderate her persona, despite it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will always know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a point that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you don't have to. We don't have mandatory conscription in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are gripped with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, hardly any child completely grasps the effort and hard work their mum puts in in December. So you can take heart by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a candy.
