Indeed, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Cherish Meghan's Christmas Special.
No matter the time of year, it's perpetually open season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to pieces. The prevailing view held that a greater royal outrage had never been witnessed than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back for another round with a "Holiday Celebration" (also known as a holiday episode). However on this occasion, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but framed of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering random tips, and supplying the periodic peculiar declaration. ("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 looks content; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her every micro expression, syllable and glance will be analyzed and criticised, but manages to seem carefree and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. The reason is, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, nonsense and extravagant – but isn't that exactly what Yuletide is about? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the life she leads genuinely looks shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with flair. Her recipes looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she makes is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she wraps gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, of course, but despite that, after the level of examination she has faced since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her decision to change or even moderate her routine, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a reminder that will certainly come as a comfort: you aren't required to. We don't have national service these days, and were it to return, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are gripped with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a duchess or a everyday person, no kid completely grasps the effort and hard work their parent does in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
