Indeed, it's Packed with Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for scrutiny on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's initial installments to shreds. The common opinion held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback once again with a "Christmas Special" (aka a yuletide episode). Yet now, it's different. The familiar ingredients audiences anticipate – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but set of a holiday show, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – providing unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 a bit of a character, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears pleased; she's inflicting any harm.
She is aware her every micro expression, utterance and gaze will be picked apart and judged, but manages to seem carefree and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Since, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is delightful. Granted, it's all cringily ultra-extra, nonsense and flamboyant – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is about? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the example she sets seems authentically beautifully curated.
Whatever she attempts, she pulls off with style. Her cooking looks tasty, the wreath she makes is breathtaking, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she folds wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be won over, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the degree of examination she has weathered since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her unwillingness to change or even soften her persona, regardless of it being so persistently, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will be like this, come what may. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a point that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. We don't have mandatory conscription in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are gripped with envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a duchess or a everyday person, hardly any child truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mum puts in in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, rather than a candy.
