Admittedly, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No concerned with the season, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the program's earlier episodes to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (also known as a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – persist, but framed of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – providing unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 aura is known and strangely comforting. And she appears happy enough; she's not doing a bit of damage.
She knows her every micro expression, syllable and look will be picked apart and judged, but nonetheless looks relaxed and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. Because, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent exactly what the holiday season is for? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the example she sets seems authentically shop-bought.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with flair. Her recipes looks delicious, the festive decoration she creates is stunning, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Not a single thing is ordinary or visually unappealing – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she folds wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be charmed, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, of course, but even so, after the intensity of scrutiny she has endured from the moment she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to change or even tone down her routine, despite it being so persistently, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a thought that will surely come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and if there were, it would be improbable to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are gripped with envy about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, hardly any child fully understands the time and energy their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can take heart by imagining her children's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a sweet treat.
