Admittedly, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the season, it's always open season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (also known as a Christmas special). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – persist, but set of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing random tips, and supplying 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 presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks happy enough; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her every micro expression, word and gaze will be picked apart and scrutinized, but still appears relaxed and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. The reason is, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and flamboyant – but is that not just what the holiday season is about? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the example she sets seems authentically shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with style. Her recipes looks tasty, the wreath she creates is stunning, her gifts are practically too exquisite to open. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself from start to finish. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the form of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the level of examination she has endured since she started dating Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to modify or even moderate her routine, even though it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will forever know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a reminder that will surely come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. There isn't the draft these days, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are overcome with jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, no kid truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mother puts in in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by envisioning the young royals' faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
