Admittedly, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Cherish Meghan's Christmas Special.
No matter the season, it's always fair game for commentary on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, both professional and armchair, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's initial installments to shreds. The general consensus seemed to be a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she has returned once again with a "Christmas Special" (aka a Christmas special). Yet now, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid together; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – providing unasked-for guidance, 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 aura is known and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks pleased; she's not doing any harm.
She understands her every micro expression, utterance and glance will be picked apart and criticised, but nonetheless looks unburdened and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. Since, let's face it, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and extravagant – but doesn't that represent exactly what Christmas is for? And the talk she's talking might be absurd, but the example she sets genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Anything she attempts, she pulls off with flair. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the wreath she creates is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to tear into. Not a single thing is average or visually unappealing – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be won over, bursting with festive joy and left with a powerful yearning for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but despite that, after the degree of examination she has faced since she met Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her refusal to modify or even moderate her shtick, even though it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a thought that will certainly come as a comfort: you aren't required to. There isn't national service anymore, and were it to return, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are consumed by envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a royal or a office worker, no kid truly appreciates the time and energy their parent does in the holiday season. So you can take heart by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a candy.
