Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has revealed that she is keeping alive a beloved British Christmas tradition in her California home. In her new Netflix holiday special titled “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration,” Meghan shares how she is continuing this tradition despite being miles away from the U.K. The hour-long episode, which is now available for streaming, showcases Meghan engaging in various festive activities with the help of her famous friends.
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One of the highlights of the special is when Meghan is joined by restaurateur Will Guidara to make Christmas crackers, a cherished British tradition. The crackers are paper tubes filled with goodies that “snap” when pulled at both ends, revealing treats or prizes. Meghan expressed how this tradition holds a special place in her heart as it reminds her of the shared joy and connection experienced at Christmas gatherings in the U.K. She reminisced about how the crackers often contained jokes or riddles, adding to the festive spirit.
Having experienced royal family Christmases at Sandringham in the past, Meghan is no stranger to upholding traditional customs. The royal family has a long history of including Christmas crackers in their holiday celebrations. British manufacturer Tom Smith, credited with inventing crackers in 1847, has held a royal warrant since 1906 to supply these novelties to the royal household. Even Queen Elizabeth enjoyed the corny jokes found inside the crackers during the family’s Christmas lunch at Sandringham.
For Meghan’s homemade crackers, she personalized each one for her family members. From love letters to chocolates and special items tailored to their preferences, Meghan ensured that each cracker held sentimental value. Notably, Prince Archie’s cracker featured elements he loves, while Princess Lilibet’s cracker reflected her current interests. Through this thoughtful gesture, Meghan aimed to create a memorable Christmas experience for her family.
The holiday special also features appearances from notable personalities like tennis champion Naomi Osaka and chef Tom Colicchio. Meghan’s husband, Prince Harry, makes a cameo in the show, sharing a sweet moment with her as they celebrate the season together. The couple’s bond and shared joy are evident as they partake in holiday traditions and create new memories in their California home.
In addition to the Netflix special, Meghan has launched a holiday collection through her lifestyle brand, offering a range of festive products. This collection includes sparkling wines, candles, fruit spreads, and honey, aligning with Meghan’s commitment to creating meaningful and elegant experiences for her audience. The show and the products showcase Meghan’s passion for hosting and celebrating special moments with loved ones.
“With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration” captures the essence of the holiday season through heartfelt moments, DIY activities, and shared traditions. As Meghan navigates her Californian Christmas, she intertwines British customs with her personal touch, demonstrating the beauty of blending cultures and creating lasting memories with family and friends. The special is a testament to Meghan’s commitment to spreading joy and love during the festive season.