Yes, it's Full of Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the time of year, it's constantly fair game for commentary on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, both professional and armchair, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's earlier episodes apart. The common opinion was that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she has returned for another round with a "Christmas Special" (or a Christmas special). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, intense hospitality – persist, but within the context of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan is like the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – offering random tips, and contributing the odd random outburst. ("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 company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's inflicting any harm.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, syllable and gaze will be analyzed and criticised, but still appears carefree and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – may well be true. Because, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, silliness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Yuletide is for? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the walk she's walking appears to be shop-bought.
Whatever she attempts, she accomplishes with style. Her recipes looks tasty, the festive decoration she makes is breathtaking, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – even the way she secures her apron is creative and fashionable. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she wraps gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any skeptical viewer not be won over, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where greens is positioned in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the degree of scrutiny she has faced since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her refusal to change or even tone down her routine, even though it being so persistently, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a point that will certainly come as a relief: you aren't required to. We don't have mandatory conscription in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are gripped with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, few children completely grasps the time and energy their mother puts in in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a candy.
