Admittedly, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually hunting season for commentary 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 program's earlier episodes to pieces. The common opinion was that a greater royal outrage had never been witnessed than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she is back with a new offering with a "Holiday Celebration" (or a yuletide episode). Yet now, it's different. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – remain, but set of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid together; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – providing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, 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 a bit of a character, but her aura is known and oddly reassuring. And she seems content; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her every micro expression, word and look will be analyzed and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks carefree and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Because, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Granted, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with flair. Her cooking looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she creates is breathtaking, her presents are practically too exquisite to open. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she fastens her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a dish 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 the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the degree of attention she has faced ever since she met Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her unwillingness to modify or even moderate her shtick, despite it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will always know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you aren't required 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 jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a duchess or a office worker, no kid fully understands the time and energy their mother does in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by picturing the young royals' faces when they unfold a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, instead of a candy.
