Admittedly, it's Full of Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.

No matter the time of year, it's perpetually open season for commentary on the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, both professional and armchair, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the program's first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion was that 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 once again with a "Festive Special" (also known as a holiday episode). Yet now, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but within the context of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The pieces have fallen together; it's a perfect snow storm.

By this point, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and delivering the odd random outburst. ("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 presence is familiar and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks content; she's causing any harm.

She is aware her each tiny facial movement, syllable and gaze will be dissected and scrutinized, but still appears carefree and serenely untroubled.

Maybe this is the first occasion in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. The reason is, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and extravagant – but is that not precisely what the holiday season is for? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the life she leads appears to be shop-bought.

Whatever she attempts, she executes with panache. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the wreath she creates is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or visually unappealing – even the way she ties her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't bung a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be convinced, bursting with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the form of a Christmas ring?

Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but even so, after the degree of attention she has faced ever since she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would struggle to act this authentically. Her refusal to alter or even soften her routine, regardless of it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will always know what to expect with her.

If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a point that will surely come as a relief: you don't have to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription these days, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are overcome with envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a duchess or a office worker, few children truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mum expends in December. So you can find comfort by imagining her children's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a chocolate.

Christine Anderson
Christine Anderson

A financial analyst with over a decade of experience in market research and investment strategies, specializing in emerging economies.

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