Indeed, it's Packed with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the season, it's constantly fair game for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she is back once again with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come together; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – providing 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 an interesting figure, but her presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she seems pleased; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She understands her every micro expression, syllable and gaze will be picked apart and scrutinized, but manages to seem relaxed and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – may well be true. The reason is, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and flamboyant – but is that not just what Christmas is about? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the example she sets appears to be impeccably styled.
Whatever she attempts, she executes with style. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she makes is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to tear into. Nothing is mediocre or visually unappealing – even the way she ties her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't bung a meal in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps 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 broccoli is positioned in the form of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the intensity of scrutiny she has faced ever since she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her decision to modify or even soften her routine, despite it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a point that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished the draft these days, 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 gripped with jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a duchess or a data administrator, no kid truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mum does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning her children's 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.