Admittedly, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Love Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the time of year, it's always fair game for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, expert and amateur alike, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the series' initial installments to shreds. The prevailing view seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (also known as a holiday episode). Yet now, it's different. The usual elements audiences anticipate – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen together; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 a bit of a character, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's not doing any harm.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, utterance and look will be analyzed and judged, but still appears relaxed and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. Because, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and extravagant – but isn't that just what Yuletide is all about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the walk she's walking appears to be beautifully curated.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she pulls off with panache. Her recipes looks tasty, the festive decoration she crafts is breathtaking, her presents are almost too pretty to tear into. Nothing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she secures her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be charmed, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where greens is organized in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, of course, but even so, after the degree of attention she has weathered since she met Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her decision to alter or even tone down her routine, despite it being so persistently, globally mocked, is weirdly comforting. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. We don't have mandatory conscription anymore, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are gripped with envy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Be you a royal or a everyday person, few children completely grasps the time and energy their mum puts in in December. So you can take heart by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, in place of a chocolate.
