Admittedly, it's Brimming with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's always hunting season for commentary 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 lifestyle show's earlier episodes to pieces. The prevailing view seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the notorious snack re-labeling incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she is back once again with a "Christmas Special" (aka a Christmas special). Yet now, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems content; she's causing any harm.
She understands her all subtle gestures, syllable and glance will be analyzed and judged, but still appears carefree and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that old chestnut – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. Because, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent exactly what Yuletide is for? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the life she leads genuinely looks shop-bought.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with flair. Her culinary efforts looks tasty, the wreath she creates is breathtaking, her gifts are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Not a single thing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she secures her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she folds 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 convinced, overcome by festive joy and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the intensity of attention she has endured ever since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her decision to alter or even moderate her persona, regardless of it being so persistently, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a point that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. We don't have national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are gripped with longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, no kid completely grasps the effort and hard work their mum puts in in the holiday season. So you can take heart by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a chocolate.
