Yes, it's Brimming with Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's always fair game for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the lifestyle show's earlier episodes to pieces. The general consensus seemed to be a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Currently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback once again with a "Christmas Special" (aka a holiday episode). Yet now, it's different. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – persist, but within the context of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan has become the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – offering unasked-for guidance, 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and strangely comforting. And she looks pleased; she's inflicting any harm.
She understands her all subtle gestures, syllable and look will be picked apart and judged, but manages to seem carefree and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Since, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and flamboyant – but isn't that just what Yuletide is for? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the example she sets seems authentically impeccably styled.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with style. Her cooking looks tasty, the festive decoration she makes is gorgeous, her presents are practically too exquisite to open. Nothing is ordinary or ugly – including the way she ties her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a meal in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself from start to finish. How could any hate-watcher not be convinced, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is organized in the form of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but even so, after the level of attention she has endured ever since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this naturally. Her unwillingness to modify or even moderate her routine, despite it being so persistently, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a reminder that will surely come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. We don't have national service anymore, and were it to return, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are consumed by longing about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, no kid completely grasps the effort and hard work their mum does in the holiday season. So you can take heart by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
