Indeed, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the time of year, it's always hunting season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Festive Special" (or a Christmas special). But this time, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – persist, but within the context of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – 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 quite a personality, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems happy enough; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She understands her each tiny facial movement, syllable and look will be analyzed and judged, but nonetheless looks unburdened and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and over the top – but isn't that precisely what the holiday season is about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking appears to be impeccably styled.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with flair. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the wreath she crafts is gorgeous, her presents are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she secures her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where greens is positioned in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the degree of attention she has faced since she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would struggle to act this genuinely. Her refusal to modify or even soften her shtick, despite it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will forever know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a reminder that will certainly come as a relief: you aren't required to. There isn't national service in this country, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you decide to tune in and are overcome with longing about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mother expends in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a candy.
