Indeed, it's Packed with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the time of year, it's perpetually hunting season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the program's first and second seasons to shreds. The prevailing view held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Festive Special" (or a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, overzealous entertaining – persist, but framed of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan has become the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, and supplying 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 a bit of a character, but her presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, word and gaze will be dissected and scrutinized, but still appears carefree and too blessed to be stressed.
It could be this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and over the top – but isn't that precisely what Christmas is all about? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the life she leads appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she attempts, she accomplishes with style. Her cooking looks tasty, the wreath she makes is gorgeous, her presents are practically too exquisite to tear into. Nothing is ordinary or visually unappealing – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't bung a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where greens is organized in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the intensity of examination she has weathered ever since she met Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this naturally. Her unwillingness to modify or even moderate her persona, regardless of it being so relentlessly, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you decide to tune in and are overcome with envy about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a everyday person, hardly any child completely grasps the time and energy their mother does in December. So you can take heart by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a chocolate.
