Yes, it's Packed with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually fair game for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's earlier episodes to pieces. The prevailing view seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, as a festive rebel, she is back for another round with a "Christmas Special" (aka a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a holiday show, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan is like the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing unasked-for guidance, 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 quite a personality, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks happy enough; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, word and look will be dissected and criticised, but still appears carefree and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Because, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is delightful. Granted, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and extravagant – but is that not precisely what Christmas is all about? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the walk she's walking appears to be beautifully curated.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she executes with panache. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she creates is stunning, her gifts are almost too pretty to unwrap. Not a single thing is average or ugly – including the way she secures her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she creases wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, overcome by festive joy and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where greens is arranged in the form of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the level of scrutiny she has endured ever since she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her decision to modify or even soften her routine, even though it being so persistently, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will always know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you don't have to. There isn't national service anymore, and were it to return, it would be improbable to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are consumed by jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. If you are a duchess or a office worker, few children fully understands the dedication and labor their mum puts in in December. So you can take heart by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
