Yes, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the program's first and second seasons to pieces. The common opinion was that a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back for another round with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – remain, but framed of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come together; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan has become the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – 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 quite a personality, but her presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her every micro expression, syllable and gaze will be dissected and scrutinized, but manages to seem carefree and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Because, let's face it, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and over the top – but is that not just what Christmas is all about? And the talk she's talking might be absurd, but the example she sets seems authentically shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she pulls off with panache. Her cooking looks tasty, the wreath she crafts is stunning, her gifts are almost too pretty to unwrap. Not a single thing is average or ugly – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a dish in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she creases gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, filled with holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but even so, after the degree of attention she has faced ever since she met Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her refusal to modify or even moderate her routine, despite it being so persistently, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a point that will surely come as a comfort: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription these days, and were it to return, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are overcome with jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. If you are a royal or a data administrator, no kid completely grasps the time and energy their parent puts in in December. So you can console yourself by envisioning her children's faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, in place of a candy.