Admittedly, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the time of year, it's constantly hunting season 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 gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's initial installments apart. The general consensus seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (aka a holiday episode). However on this occasion, the dynamic has changed. The standard components we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – remain, but framed of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt 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 aura is known and strangely comforting. And she appears pleased; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, utterance and look will be picked apart and judged, but still appears carefree and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Since, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and extravagant – but is that not precisely what Yuletide is for? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the life she leads genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with panache. Her cooking looks tasty, the wreath she makes is breathtaking, her presents are almost too pretty to tear into. Not a single thing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a dish in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she folds gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be charmed, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but even so, after the degree of attention she has weathered since she met Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of acting royalty would struggle to act this genuinely. Her decision to alter or even soften her persona, even though it being so relentlessly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you don't have to. We don't have the draft these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are gripped with envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a duchess or a data administrator, few children completely grasps the dedication and labor their parent does in December. So you can take heart by envisioning her children's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a sweet treat.