Yes, it's Packed with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly open season for criticism on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, both professional and armchair, have seldom found such common ground as when eagerly tearing the lifestyle show's first and second seasons to pieces. The prevailing view was that a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she has returned once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (also known as a Christmas special). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The usual elements audiences anticipate – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – remain, but within the context of a Christmas special, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan has become the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – providing 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 a bit of a character, but her aura is known and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, utterance and glance will be dissected and scrutinized, but still appears unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Because, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Yes, it's all painfully excessive, foolishness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Christmas is all about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the walk she's walking appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she attempts, she executes with style. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she creates is stunning, her presents are almost too pretty to tear into. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she secures her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, of course, but despite that, after the intensity of examination she has faced ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her refusal to change or even soften her routine, regardless of it being so constantly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will forever know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a point that will surely come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are gripped with envy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, hardly any child completely grasps the time and energy their mother does in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, instead of a chocolate.
