Yes, it’s full of bullshit, extreme hosting and psychobabble. But I love Megan’s Christmas special | Polly Hudson

nNo matter the time of year, it’s always open season on the Duchess of Sussex’s TV show, With Love, Meghan. Rarely have critics, both professional and armchair, been so united as when the first and second series of a lifestyle show were torn to shreds. The consensus was that there had never been a greater royal wrath than when she took some pastries out of a labeled bag, put them in a different bag, and then slapped a label on them. She didn’t even try to explain herself to Emily Maitlis after that.

Now, like the playful rebel teacher, she’s back again with a “Holiday Celebration” (aka Christmas Special). But this time it’s different. There are still the usual elements we’ve come to expect – the psycho-babble word salad, the extreme hosting – but in the context of a Christmas episode, suddenly it all makes sense. The pieces have fallen into place. It’s a perfect snow storm.

By this point, Meghan has become like the cranky aunt at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unsolicited and unnecessary advice, and making the odd random outburst. (“I love spinach!” … “Tradition must have a beginning.” … “The tree is part of my memory and love of the holiday season.”) It’s a bit personal, but its presence is familiar and strangely reassuring. She seems happy enough; It doesn’t cause any harm.

This is perhaps the first occasion in history where that old chestnut that mothers used to offer when someone was mean to their young loved ones – “Ignore them, they’re just jealous” – might be true. Because you know what? It’s all about Meghan’s holiday celebration He is lovable. Yes, this is all very embarrassing, nonsense and over the top – but isn’t that exactly what Christmas is about? And the talk you talk may be silly, but the walk you walk really looks like it was bought from a store.

Whatever her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand turns her into, she takes it off in style. Her cooking is delicious, the wreaths she makes are stunning, and her gifts are too beautiful to open. There’s nothing ordinary or aesthetically disturbing – even the way she ties her apron is artistic and elegant. She doesn’t just seal a dish in the microwave, it “requires a turn,” and she folds wrapping paper like an origami expert (quick tip: make wax seals in advance!). She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself all the time. How could any hate watcher not be wooed, filled with seasonal joy, and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers filled with thoughtful items chosen just for them or a plate of baked bread where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a garland?

Meghan is used to pretending for a living, of course, but even so, after the level of scrutiny she’s endured since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act normal. She knows that every micro expression, syllable and look will be dissected and criticized, but she still manages to appear relaxed and carefree. So blessed for the stress.

Her refusal to change or even tone down her style, despite being relentlessly ridiculed globally, is strangely comforting. In our uncertain world, there’s one thing we can count on: Meghan will be there, no matter what. We will always know where we stand with her.

If you still can’t buy what you’re selling, this reminder is sure to comfort you: You don’t have to. There is no longer a national service in this country, and if there was, it is unlikely to involve watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration, especially after Megxit. However, if you willingly check it out and are overcome with envy over its perfect Christmas photo, all is not lost either. Whether you’re a duchess or a data manager, no kid truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mom puts in this December. So you can console yourself by imagining Archie and Lilibet’s faces when they open the “I love you because you’re brave” liner note from their homemade Advent calendar, instead of chocolate.

Polly Hudson is a freelance writer