Indeed, it's Full of Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No matter the season, it's always hunting season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, both professional and armchair, have seldom found such common ground as when gleefully ripping the program's earlier episodes apart. The common opinion was that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, as a festive rebel, she has returned with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (aka a Christmas special). However on this occasion, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but set of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come together; it's a perfect snow storm.
Now, Meghan has become the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – offering unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she seems content; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, word and glance will be analyzed and criticised, but nonetheless looks relaxed and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. The reason is, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and over the top – but is that not just what the holiday season is about? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the example she sets appears to be shop-bought.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with panache. Her cooking looks tasty, the wreath she creates is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to unwrap. Not a single thing is mediocre or ugly – including the way she fastens her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she wraps wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, filled with festive joy and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where greens is positioned in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the degree of examination she has weathered since she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her unwillingness to change or even moderate her persona, even though it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a point that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you don't have to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription anymore, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are gripped with jealousy about her flawless Christmas, you can take solace either. If you are a duchess or a data administrator, no kid truly appreciates the time and energy their parent puts in in December. So you can console yourself by picturing the young royals' faces when they unfold a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a chocolate.
