Yes, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's constantly open season for scrutiny 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 series' earlier episodes to pieces. The common opinion was that a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back for another round with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – persist, but within the context of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – offering random tips, 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 a bit of a character, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks pleased; she's not doing any harm.
She knows her every micro expression, syllable and look will be picked apart and scrutinized, but manages to seem unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – may well be true. The reason is, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and over the top – but doesn't that represent precisely what the holiday season is about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks shop-bought.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the festive decoration she crafts is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she wraps wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself from start to finish. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where greens is arranged in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the level of examination she has weathered ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would find it hard to appear this naturally. Her decision to modify or even tone down her shtick, despite it being so constantly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a reminder that will certainly come as a comfort: you aren't required to. We don't have mandatory conscription these days, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are consumed by envy about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a duchess or a everyday person, hardly any child fully understands the effort and hard work their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can take heart by imagining the young royals' faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a candy.
