Yes, it's Packed with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the season, it's perpetually fair game for commentary on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the program's first and second seasons to pieces. The general consensus was that a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback for another round with a "Festive Special" (also known as a Christmas special). Yet now, it's different. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – persist, but within the context of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid together; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – offering random tips, and supplying 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 oddly reassuring. And she seems happy enough; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She understands her all subtle gestures, utterance and glance will be picked apart and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks relaxed and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and flamboyant – but is that not precisely what Yuletide is all about? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the example she sets seems authentically impeccably styled.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with panache. Her recipes looks tasty, the wreath she creates is breathtaking, her presents are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a dish 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 cynical observer not be charmed, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where greens is arranged in the form of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the degree of examination she has endured ever since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would struggle to act this genuinely. Her decision to change or even soften her persona, despite it being so constantly, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a thought that will surely come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. We don't have mandatory conscription these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are gripped with envy about her flawless Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a duchess or a data administrator, few children truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mum puts in in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a sweet treat.
