Yes, it's Full of Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the season, it's perpetually fair game for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, expert and amateur alike, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the series' earlier episodes to pieces. The general consensus seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the notorious snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback once again with a "Christmas Special" (aka a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The standard components audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – remain, but set of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering random tips, and contributing 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 oddly reassuring. And she looks pleased; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her every micro expression, utterance and look will be analyzed and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks relaxed and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and flamboyant – but isn't that just what Yuletide is about? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the example she sets seems authentically shop-bought.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she makes is breathtaking, her gifts are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the oven, it "has a moment", and she wraps wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the level of scrutiny she has faced ever since she met Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her unwillingness to alter or even tone down her shtick, regardless of it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a reminder that will surely come as a reassurance: you don't have to. There isn't national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are consumed by envy about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a duchess or a everyday person, hardly any child truly appreciates the time and energy their mum expends in December. So you can take heart by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a chocolate.
