Indeed, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the season, it's constantly open season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the program's earlier episodes to shreds. The prevailing view held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the notorious snack re-labeling incident.
Presently, as a festive rebel, she has returned with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (also known as a yuletide episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but framed of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at Christmas celebrations everywhere – providing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, 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 unexpectedly soothing. And she seems happy enough; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She knows her all subtle gestures, utterance and gaze will be analyzed and judged, but still appears unburdened and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Since, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is charming. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and flamboyant – but is that not precisely what Christmas is for? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the example she sets appears to be impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with style. Her recipes looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Nothing is ordinary or visually unappealing – even the way she ties her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she wraps wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where greens is arranged in the form of a wreath?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the degree of attention she has endured from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to modify or even soften her shtick, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a reminder that will surely come as a relief: you are not obligated to. There isn't mandatory conscription these days, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are consumed by jealousy about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. If you are a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child completely grasps the dedication and labor their mother expends in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a sweet treat.