JUST DROPPED: Meghan’s Netflix Christmas Special Tries to “Teach” British Holiday Traditions — and the Backlash Was Immediate 😬🎄👇
Viewers were left baffled as Meghan confidently explained British Christmas customs despite her brief time in the UK, with critics calling out awkward gestures, puzzling gift choices, and mixed messages about family values. It’s the tiny, uncomfortable details that many say quietly unravel the festive message… 👀👇👇

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Meghan Markle’s “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration”: A Festive Netflix Special That Sparked Immediate Backlash and Debate

On December 3, 2025, Netflix released With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, a 56-minute standalone holiday special extending the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle series. What was positioned as a cozy guide to meaningful holiday traditions—complete with crafts, recipes, and celebrity guests—quickly became one of the most polarizing festive offerings of the season, drawing sharp criticism for its perceived inauthenticity, cultural appropriation of British customs, and underlying contradictions in its family-focused message.

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Filmed in a rented Montecito farmhouse (not the Sussexes’ actual home), the episode features Meghan welcoming guests like tennis star Naomi Osaka, restaurateur Will Guidara, and chef Tom Colicchio. Activities include stringing Christmas lights “the right way,” making personalized Christmas crackers, assembling advent calendars, wrapping gifts using Japanese Furoshiki techniques, and preparing dishes like “reindeer chow” (a sweetened snack mix) and her mother Doria Ragland’s Christmas Eve gumbo. Meghan emphasizes mindfulness, self-care amid holiday busyness, and creating memories—personalizing crackers with items like a lavender roller for daughter Lilibet, a toy burger for son Archie, and a love note for Prince Harry.

A highlight for some viewers was Harry’s brief cameos: one where he humorously recoils from a beet salad containing his least favorite ingredients (beets, olives, fennel, anchovies), and another tasting the gumbo approvingly (with a playful debate over whether it’s as good as Doria’s).

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Meghan proudly showcases British traditions, particularly Christmas crackers—a staple she first experienced during her time in the UK, including her one royal Christmas at Sandringham in 2017. She describes them as “connected and sweet,” explaining the arm-crossing pull and adding personal touches. This segment, however, fueled much of the backlash, with critics and viewers questioning her authority to “teach” British customs after living in the UK for less than two years (from 2018 to 2020).

Reviews were overwhelmingly negative. British outlets like The Daily Telegraph’s Allison Pearson called it “joyless and fake,” labeling Meghan an “uptight, Stepford hostess.” The Independent’s Hannah Ewens deemed it “predictably insipid,” not fun or aspirational. The Guardian’s Lucy Mangan gave it one star (up from zero in holiday spirit), relieved “we are safe until next year.” International critics echoed this: The Washington Post described it as “aggressive hospitality,” while others branded it “nausea-inducing,” “quite mad and a little bit sad,” and “tectonically tacky.”

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Common complaints included the lack of practical instructions (no full recipes or step-by-steps), awkward guest interactions (e.g., a seemingly listless Naomi Osaka), and an overall sense of performative perfection that felt out of touch. Viewers noted continuity errors revealing it was filmed during the previous holiday season (2024), including a tribute to her late dog Guy, who passed in January 2025.

The most pointed criticism centered on hypocrisy: Meghan’s emphasis on family traditions and togetherness contrasted sharply with ongoing reports of estrangement from her father, Thomas Markle (who underwent serious health issues around release time), and the Sussex children’s lack of contact with King Charles. Commentators argued this undermined her message of holiday connection, with some calling it “empty” or “condescending.”

Social media reactions amplified the divide. While supporters praised the warmth and inspiration—sharing recreations of crafts or appreciating Harry’s natural charm—detractors flooded platforms with memes and mockery, accusing Meghan of cultural tourism on British Christmas while living in California. IMDb user reviews averaged low, with complaints about lacking personality or humility.

Defenders, including a Guardian column by Polly Hudson, argued the hate stemmed from jealousy, noting the special’s cozy elements fit Christmas perfectly—over-the-top yet comforting. Some neutral viewers found it relaxing “background noise” for holiday prep.

Speculation also arose about the show’s future. Insiders suggested this special might be the “closing credits” for With Love, Meghan, given underwhelming viewership for prior seasons and Netflix’s evolving partnership with the Sussexes, now focused more on products tied to Meghan’s As Ever brand.

In a crowded holiday streaming landscape, Meghan’s entry stood out—not for universal cheer, but for reigniting debates about authenticity, privilege, and her post-royal identity. While it offered polished tips for an aspirational Montecito Christmas, the wave of negativity highlighted how polarized public perception remains. For fans, it was a heartfelt extension of her lifestyle vision; for critics, a reminder of perceived contradictions. As the season progresses, the special streams on Netflix, inviting viewers to decide for themselves amid the ongoing discourse.