Yes, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's constantly open season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the series' first and second seasons to pieces. The prevailing view held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (or a holiday episode). But this time, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but set of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at most festive family gatherings – offering random tips, and supplying 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems pleased; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She understands her every micro expression, syllable and glance will be analyzed and judged, but still appears unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Because, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and over the top – but doesn't that represent exactly what Yuletide is all about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she pulls off with panache. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she makes is breathtaking, her presents are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Nothing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be won over, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where greens is arranged in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the level of examination she has weathered from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would struggle to act this genuinely. Her refusal to modify or even soften her routine, regardless of it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will forever know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a point 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 consumed by longing about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a royal or a data administrator, no kid completely grasps the dedication and labor their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can take heart by envisioning 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, rather than a chocolate.