Indeed, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Love Meghan's Holiday Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when eagerly tearing the lifestyle show's initial installments apart. The general consensus seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). But this time, things have shifted. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan has become the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – 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 a bit of a character, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears happy enough; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, syllable and glance will be analyzed and judged, but still appears unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. The reason is, in all honesty, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Christmas is for? And the talk she's talking might be absurd, but the life she leads seems authentically beautifully curated.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with panache. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she makes is breathtaking, her presents are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she wraps gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where greens is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the degree of examination she has faced from the moment she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this genuinely. Her refusal to alter or even tone down her persona, even though it being so relentlessly, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a thought that will surely come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are overcome with longing about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a royal or a office worker, hardly any child fully understands the time and energy their mother expends in the holiday season. So you can take heart by picturing her children's faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a chocolate.
