Yes, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the season, it's always hunting season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the program's earlier episodes to shreds. The common opinion held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Festive Special" (or a Christmas special). But this time, things have shifted. The usual elements audiences anticipate – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan has become the oddball family member at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing random tips, and delivering 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 a bit of a character, but her presence is familiar and strangely comforting. And she looks pleased; she's inflicting the slightest hurt.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, syllable and look will be picked apart and scrutinized, but still appears relaxed and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. Since, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and extravagant – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the example she sets seems authentically shop-bought.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with style. Her recipes looks delicious, the wreath she creates is gorgeous, her gifts are almost too pretty to unwrap. Not a single thing is average or visually unappealing – even the way she fastens her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she folds gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, filled with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where greens is organized in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the degree of attention she has endured from the moment she met Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to change or even soften her shtick, regardless of it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a thought that will certainly come as a relief: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and if there were, it would be improbable to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are consumed by envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, few children completely grasps the time and energy their mother puts in in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a candy.
