Admittedly, it's Brimming with Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually open season for criticism on the Duchess of Sussex's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the program's earlier episodes to shreds. The general consensus held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Currently, as a festive rebel, she is back once again with a "Festive Special" (or a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The standard components we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – persist, but set of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – offering unsolicited, unnecessary advice, and delivering the occasional strange exclamation. ("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 oddly reassuring. And she appears happy enough; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her every micro expression, utterance and gaze will be analyzed and criticised, but nonetheless looks unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Because, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Yes, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent exactly what Yuletide is for? And the talk she's talking might be absurd, but the life she leads seems authentically impeccably styled.
Anything she sets her mind to, she pulls off with flair. Her recipes looks tasty, the wreath she creates is breathtaking, her gifts are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is average or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a dish in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she folds gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be charmed, bursting with festive joy and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where greens is organized in the form of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the level of examination she has endured since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her decision to modify or even soften her routine, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a thought that will surely come as a relief: you don't have to. The UK has abolished the draft in this country, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are gripped with longing about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a royal or a office worker, no kid completely grasps the dedication and labor their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by picturing her children's faces when they unfold a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a chocolate.
