Indeed, it's Packed with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the season, it's constantly fair game for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the series' initial installments apart. The prevailing view was that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (aka a yuletide episode). Yet now, it's different. The standard components audiences anticipate – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the oddball family member at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering random tips, 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 a bit of a character, but her presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her every micro expression, word and glance will be picked apart and criticised, but nonetheless looks unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. Since, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and over the top – but is that not just what Yuletide is for? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the example she sets genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Whatever she attempts, she accomplishes with style. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the wreath she crafts is stunning, her gifts are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she ties her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself throughout. How could any hate-watcher not be convinced, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where greens is arranged in the form of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the intensity of scrutiny she has endured since she met Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her unwillingness to alter or even tone down her shtick, despite it being so persistently, widely parodied, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a thought that will certainly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. We don't have national service these days, and if there were, it would be improbable to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are gripped with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, no kid completely grasps the dedication and labor their parent does in December. So you can find comfort by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
