Indeed, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, both professional and armchair, have seldom found such common ground as when gleefully ripping the program's first and second seasons to shreds. The general consensus was that a greater royal outrage had hardly ever taken place than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Currently, as a festive rebel, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (aka a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, overzealous entertaining – remain, but set of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan has become the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – providing random tips, 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 quite a personality, but her presence is familiar and strangely comforting. And she seems happy enough; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, word and look will be dissected and criticised, but nonetheless looks unburdened and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Since, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and over the top – but isn't that exactly what the holiday season is about? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the example she sets appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she attempts, she accomplishes with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the festive decoration she creates is gorgeous, her presents are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but even so, after the intensity of attention she has faced since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her decision to alter or even tone down her persona, regardless of it being so relentlessly, 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 still not buying her message, a point that will surely come as a relief: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished the draft these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are gripped with envy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Be you a duchess or a data administrator, no kid fully understands the time and energy their mother puts in in December. So you can console yourself by envisioning her children's faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, instead of a candy.
