Admittedly, it's Full of Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the time of year, it's constantly fair game for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the program's earlier episodes to pieces. The general consensus seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Christmas Special" (aka a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – are still present, but within the context of a Christmas special, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan is like the oddball family member at Christmas celebrations everywhere – providing 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 presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She understands her each tiny facial movement, syllable and look will be analyzed and criticised, but manages to seem unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – may well be true. The reason is, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and flamboyant – but is that not precisely what the holiday season is all about? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the example she sets appears to be beautifully curated.
Anything she sets her mind to, she executes with flair. Her cooking looks delicious, the wreath she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Nothing is average or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she creases gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the form of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but even so, after the intensity of scrutiny she has endured since she met Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this naturally. Her unwillingness to change or even tone down her routine, despite it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're still not buying her brand, a thought that will surely come as a reassurance: you don't have to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are consumed by envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a duchess or a everyday person, hardly any child completely grasps the effort and hard work their parent does in December. So you can take heart by picturing her children's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
