Yes, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the season, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, 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 apart. The general consensus seemed to be a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (aka a holiday episode). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The standard components audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – remain, but within the context of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come together; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – offering unasked-for guidance, 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems pleased; she's causing a bit of damage.
She understands her every micro expression, syllable and gaze will be picked apart and judged, but nonetheless looks carefree and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, foolishness and over the top – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is for? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the example she sets appears to be impeccably styled.
Anything she sets her mind to, she pulls off with panache. Her recipes looks tasty, the festive decoration she creates is breathtaking, her presents are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she creases gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself from start to finish. How could any skeptical viewer not be charmed, overcome by festive joy and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but even so, after the level of attention she has faced from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her decision to modify or even tone down her routine, regardless of it being so relentlessly, widely parodied, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, come what may. We will always know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a point that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. We don't have national service anymore, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are overcome with envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Be you a duchess or a data administrator, no kid completely grasps the dedication and labor their mother does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
