Admittedly, it's Packed with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the time of year, it's always hunting season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the lifestyle show's initial installments to shreds. The prevailing view was that a greater royal outrage had never been witnessed than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Presently, as a festive rebel, she makes a comeback once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a holiday episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but within the context of a yuletide episode, suddenly it all makes sense. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan has become the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – 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 an interesting figure, but her aura is known and oddly reassuring. And she appears content; she's causing any harm.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, syllable and look will be analyzed and judged, but nonetheless looks unburdened and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. The reason is, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and over the top – but is that not exactly what Christmas is all about? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the life she leads seems authentically beautifully curated.
Whatever she attempts, she accomplishes with flair. Her recipes looks delicious, the wreath she creates is gorgeous, her presents are nearly too beautiful to open. Not a single thing is average or visually unappealing – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be won over, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is organized in the shape of a festive circle?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, obviously, but even so, after the degree of attention she has endured since she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her refusal to alter or even moderate her routine, regardless of it being so relentlessly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a point that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished the draft in this country, and were it to return, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are consumed by jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, hardly any child truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by imagining her children's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
