Yes, it's Packed with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when eagerly tearing the series' initial installments to pieces. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a Christmas special). But this time, things have shifted. The usual elements audiences anticipate – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan is like the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and contributing the periodic peculiar declaration. ("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 company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems content; she's causing any harm.
She understands her every micro expression, word and glance will be analyzed and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. Because, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and over the top – but is that not exactly what the holiday season is all about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the life she leads genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Anything she sets her mind to, she pulls off with panache. Her recipes looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she crafts is stunning, her presents are nearly too beautiful to open. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she folds gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, filled with festive joy and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where greens is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the intensity of attention she has endured from the moment she met Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her refusal to change or even tone down her routine, even though it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, come what may. We will always know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a thought that will certainly come as a comfort: you aren't required to. There isn't national service anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are gripped with longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. If you are a duchess or a office worker, few children fully understands the time and energy their mother does in the holiday season. So you can take heart by picturing the young royals' faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, rather than a sweet treat.
