Indeed, it's Full of Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the season, it's perpetually hunting season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's earlier episodes to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Holiday Celebration" (also known as a holiday episode). But this time, things have shifted. The usual elements we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but framed of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and supplying the occasional strange exclamation. ("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 presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she seems pleased; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her every micro expression, word and gaze will be analyzed and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – may well be true. Because, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and extravagant – but is that not just what the holiday season is all about? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the example she sets appears to be impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with style. Her recipes looks tasty, the festive decoration she makes is gorgeous, her presents are practically too exquisite to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be won over, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the degree of examination she has faced ever since she started dating Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her decision to alter or even tone down her routine, even though it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will always know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished national service in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are gripped with longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, no kid truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mum puts in in December. So you can find comfort by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a chocolate.