Yes, it's Full of Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the season, it's constantly hunting season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The prevailing view held that a greater royal outrage had never been witnessed than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she makes a comeback once again with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The usual elements audiences anticipate – 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 ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing random tips, 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 quite a personality, but her aura is known and strangely comforting. And she appears content; she's inflicting the slightest hurt.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, word and glance will be analyzed and judged, but nonetheless looks unburdened and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. The reason is, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and flamboyant – but is that not just what Christmas is about? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the example she sets appears to be shop-bought.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she executes with flair. Her culinary efforts looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she makes is gorgeous, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Not a single thing is average or ugly – even the way she fastens her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself from start to finish. How could any skeptical viewer not be won over, overcome by festive joy and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is organized in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but even so, after the degree of scrutiny she has endured since she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this genuinely. Her refusal to change or even moderate her shtick, despite it being so persistently, widely parodied, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, come what may. We will always know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you don't have to. The UK has abolished the draft in this country, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are gripped with longing about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. If you are a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child truly appreciates the time and energy their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by imagining her children's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a candy.
