Indeed, it's Packed with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the season, it's constantly hunting season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the program's first and second seasons to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (or a yuletide episode). Yet now, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – providing random tips, and contributing the periodic peculiar declaration. ("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 seems pleased; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, syllable and gaze will be analyzed and judged, but nonetheless looks carefree and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – may well be true. Since, in all honesty, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and extravagant – but is that not just what Yuletide is all about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the example she sets appears to be beautifully curated.
Whatever she attempts, she executes with panache. Her recipes looks delicious, the festive decoration she creates is breathtaking, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "has a moment", and she wraps gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself from start to finish. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, filled with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where greens is positioned in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the intensity of attention she has weathered from the moment she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this naturally. Her decision to change or even soften her shtick, even though it being so relentlessly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you don't have to. There isn't mandatory conscription anymore, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are gripped with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. If you are a royal or a everyday person, few children completely grasps the time and energy their mother puts in in December. So you can find comfort by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
