Admittedly, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly fair game for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, both professional and armchair, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the series' initial installments to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she is back with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (or a holiday episode). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The standard components we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – persist, but framed of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – 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 a bit of a character, but her aura is known and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, syllable and look will be analyzed and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks unburdened and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps 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, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and over the top – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the example she sets appears to be impeccably styled.
Whatever she attempts, she accomplishes with flair. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the wreath she makes is stunning, her gifts are practically too exquisite to tear into. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she folds wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, filled with festive joy and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where greens is organized in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, obviously, but even so, after the intensity of scrutiny she has weathered ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her decision to alter or even soften her persona, even though it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, 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 what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a point that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you don't have to. We don't have national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are consumed by jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a royal or a office worker, hardly any child fully understands the time and energy their mother does in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a chocolate.