Meghan Markle is one of those genuinely kind people that you just want to be besties with. The California beauty became as household name as the pencil skirt wearing, sharp witted paralegal on the hit USA Network series Suits. Ms. Markle has been globe trotting while her show is on hiatus, making stops in London and Budapest for the filming of her new film.
As a favorite here at Glamazon Diaries, Ms. Markle shares her favorite Christmas memories, holiday recipes and what she’s hoping to see under her tree this year. Then check out her list, as well as our ultimate gift guide here.
What is your favorite holiday memory?
Putting out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.
What is your favorite holiday gift you’ve received?
When I was a kid there was a thing called the Barbie Heart Set Family. It included a Ken doll dad, a Barbie mom and two kids. But you could only buy the white set or the black set. Being biracial, I couldn’t relate to either. My family was mixed, and so was I, but this Barbie family wasn’t. My dad went to the store and opened to sets to make a custom one for me, and on Christmas I opened a Barbie Heart Set family with a white ken doll dad, a black Barbie mom, and two kids of different colors. I will never forget that. It told me that I was enough and that I was special.
What makes the holidays special to you?
Being able to spend time with friends and family, being able to put your feet up and reflect on all the hard work and blessings, to just take a moment to be grateful for all of it.
How do you give back during the holidays?
With my love of food comes a need to ensure people are fed. I work with Second Harvest in Canada, and their parent organization Feeding America, is absolute incredible in proving food/nutrition to families with low income. I would welcome any donation to this organization as a holiday gift, or any other day of the year.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
I love stuffing stockings!
Your favorite holiday cocktail?
I love a spiced cider! Not only because it makes your house smell absolutely amazing when company comes over during the holidays, but also because it’s so easy. Just put a couple quarts of organic apple cider in a pot, add some cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a few slices of oranges and apples and let it simmer. Then once it’s warm, pour it into cups and finish with some rum and a cinnamon stick. It’s just delicious.
Favorite holiday meal?
My mom and I started a tradition of cooking gumbo for the holidays. I love it because it’s easy and so incredibly satisfying and happens to be a gorgeous and down home seafood stew, which is my favorite. One day I will give you the recipe…maybe next year.
