Indeed, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the time of year, it's always fair game for commentary on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have seldom found such common ground as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's initial installments apart. The prevailing view held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned once again with a "Festive Special" (or a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but framed of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come together; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems content; she's not doing any harm.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, utterance and look will be picked apart and scrutinized, but manages to seem relaxed and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the first occasion in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Christmas is all about? And the talk she's talking might be absurd, but the example she sets seems authentically impeccably styled.
Anything she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with flair. Her recipes looks tasty, the festive decoration she crafts is stunning, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Not a single thing is average or visually unappealing – even the way she secures her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she wraps gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but even so, after the degree of attention she has faced since she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her unwillingness to alter or even soften her shtick, regardless of it being so persistently, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you don't have to. There isn't mandatory conscription anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are overcome with longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. Be you a duchess or a office worker, few children truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mum puts in in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by envisioning the young royals' faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
