Yes, it's Full of Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the time of year, it's perpetually fair game for commentary on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the series' earlier episodes to shreds. The prevailing view seemed to be a greater royal outrage had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Presently, as a festive rebel, she has returned with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (or a holiday episode). Yet now, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, and supplying 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 a bit of a character, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's causing any harm.
She understands her every micro expression, syllable and glance will be picked apart and scrutinized, but manages to seem carefree and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. The reason is, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, nonsense and extravagant – but is that not just what the holiday season is all about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the example she sets genuinely looks shop-bought.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the festive decoration she crafts is breathtaking, her gifts are almost too pretty to unwrap. Nothing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she folds wrapping 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, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is positioned in the form of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the degree of examination she has weathered ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her refusal to change or even tone down her shtick, regardless of it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a point that will certainly come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. There isn't national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are overcome with envy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a duchess or a data administrator, few children fully understands the time and energy their mum expends in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning the young royals' faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a sweet treat.
