Indeed, it's Packed with Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the time of year, it's always fair game for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's earlier episodes apart. The common opinion held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a holiday episode). Yet now, things have shifted. The standard components we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but within the context of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan is like the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – offering unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 quite a personality, but her presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She understands her every micro expression, word and look will be dissected and criticised, but manages to seem unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Granted, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent exactly what the holiday season is all about? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Anything she attempts, she accomplishes with panache. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she crafts is stunning, her gifts are practically too exquisite to tear into. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a dish in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be completely savoring herself from start to finish. How could any hate-watcher not be charmed, filled with holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but despite that, after the intensity of scrutiny she has endured since she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her decision to change or even soften her routine, regardless of it being so relentlessly, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, come what may. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a reminder that will surely come as a comfort: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished national service in this country, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are consumed by longing about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child completely grasps the time and energy their parent does in December. So you can take heart by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, rather than a candy.
