Admittedly, it's Packed with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's perpetually hunting season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, as a festive rebel, she is back for another round with a "Festive Special" (aka a Christmas special). Yet now, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a Christmas special, it all clicks into place. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering unasked-for guidance, and delivering the occasional strange exclamation. ("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 quite a personality, but her presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she seems happy enough; she's causing any harm.
She knows her all subtle gestures, syllable and look will be analyzed and criticised, but still appears carefree and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Because, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is delightful. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is for? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the example she sets appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she attempts, she accomplishes with style. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she creates is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to tear into. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she ties her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't bung a meal in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be charmed, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is organized in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the degree of attention she has faced since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to change or even soften her routine, regardless of it being so constantly, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a reminder that will certainly come as a relief: you are not obligated to. There isn't the draft in this country, and if there were, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are consumed by longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, no kid fully understands the time and energy their parent puts in in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, in place of a sweet treat.