Admittedly, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the time of year, it's always fair game for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have seldom found such common ground as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to pieces. The common opinion was that a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (or a Christmas special). But this time, it's different. The standard components audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but framed of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing 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 quite a personality, but her aura is known and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her every micro expression, utterance and look will be dissected and criticised, but nonetheless looks unburdened and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and extravagant – but is that not just what the holiday season is for? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the life she leads seems authentically shop-bought.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with panache. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the festive decoration she makes is stunning, her gifts are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she secures her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "has a moment", 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 won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, of course, but even so, after the level of attention she has endured since she met Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her refusal to alter or even tone down her routine, regardless of it being so persistently, widely parodied, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a point that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you don't have to. We don't have national service in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you decide to tune in and are gripped with longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, no kid fully understands the time and energy their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a sweet treat.
