Indeed, it's Full of Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly open season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Critics, 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 held that a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (or a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but within the context of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan has become the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – dispensing unasked-for guidance, and contributing 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 strangely comforting. And she appears happy enough; she's inflicting a bit of damage.
She knows her all subtle gestures, syllable and look will be dissected and scrutinized, but still appears unburdened and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. The reason is, in all honesty, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is about? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Whatever she sets her mind to, she pulls off with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she creates is stunning, her gifts are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Not a single thing is average or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she folds gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a vegetable display where greens is arranged in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but even so, after the degree of scrutiny she has weathered from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her decision to modify or even soften her persona, despite it being so persistently, widely parodied, is strangely reassuring. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will be like this, come what may. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're still not buying her message, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished the draft these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are overcome with envy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, no kid truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can take heart by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a candy.
