Indeed, it's Packed with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the season, it's constantly open season for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, expert and amateur alike, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's earlier episodes to shreds. The general consensus was that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Holiday Celebration" (also known as a yuletide episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but framed of a yuletide episode, suddenly it all makes sense. The pieces have fallen into place; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan is like the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – providing 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 company is customary and oddly reassuring. And she seems happy enough; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She understands her every micro expression, word and gaze will be analyzed and criticised, but still appears relaxed and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and over the top – but isn't that just what Christmas is for? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking seems authentically impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with flair. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the wreath she crafts is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to tear into. Not a single thing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she fastens her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she creases gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be won over, filled with holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where greens is organized in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the intensity of scrutiny she has faced from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her refusal to change or even moderate her shtick, regardless of it being so relentlessly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will forever know our position with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a reminder that will surely come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished national service in this country, and if there were, it would be improbable to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are overcome with longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. Be you a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child fully understands the dedication and labor their mum expends in December. So you can take heart by envisioning the young royals' faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a chocolate.
