Yes, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the season, it's perpetually fair game for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when eagerly tearing the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to pieces. The prevailing view seemed to be a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (or a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, overzealous entertaining – remain, but set of a holiday show, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – dispensing random tips, and contributing the occasional strange exclamation. ("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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks happy enough; she's inflicting the slightest hurt.
She knows her all subtle gestures, word and look will be dissected and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, in all honesty, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and flamboyant – but isn't that just what the holiday season is for? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the example she sets genuinely looks shop-bought.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with flair. Her culinary efforts looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Not a single thing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she fastens her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", 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 skeptical viewer not be charmed, filled with holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but despite that, after the degree of attention she has faced ever since she met Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this genuinely. Her refusal to modify or even tone down her shtick, regardless of it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you don't have to. There isn't the draft in this country, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are overcome with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a duchess or a data administrator, hardly any child fully understands the dedication and labor their mum expends in December. So you can take heart by envisioning the young royals' 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.
