Admittedly, it's Packed with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the time of year, it's perpetually open season for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the series' first and second seasons to pieces. The common opinion was that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned once again with a "Christmas Special" (or a holiday episode). But this time, it's different. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, overzealous entertaining – remain, but set of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come together; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan has become the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – offering unasked-for guidance, 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 unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her every micro expression, utterance and look will be picked apart and judged, but still appears relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. Since, in all honesty, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Yes, it's all painfully excessive, foolishness and over the top – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is for? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks shop-bought.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with panache. Her cooking looks tasty, the wreath she crafts is stunning, her presents are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Not a single thing is ordinary or visually unappealing – even the way she ties her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself from start to finish. How could any hate-watcher not be charmed, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where greens is organized in the form of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but even so, after the intensity of attention she has faced ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her unwillingness to modify or even moderate her routine, even though it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a reminder that will surely come as a reassurance: you don't have to. There isn't national service anymore, 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 consumed by envy about her flawless Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, hardly any child truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mum does in the holiday season. So you can find comfort by picturing the young royals' faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, in place of a candy.
