Admittedly, it's Brimming with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly open season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when eagerly tearing the lifestyle show's initial installments to shreds. The common opinion held that a greater royal outrage had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (aka a Christmas special). But this time, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – remain, but within the context of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. The elements have slid together; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan has become the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing unasked-for guidance, 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 aura is known and oddly reassuring. And she seems happy enough; she's inflicting any harm.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, word and glance will be analyzed and scrutinized, but manages to seem relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. The reason is, let's face it, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Granted, it's all cringily ultra-extra, nonsense and over the top – but is that not exactly what the holiday season is all about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the life she leads genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with panache. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she crafts is breathtaking, her presents are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she creases wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, filled with holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the form of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, naturally, but even so, after the intensity of examination she has endured ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of acting royalty would struggle to act this authentically. Her unwillingness to modify or even moderate her persona, even though it being so constantly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will remain herself, come what may. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a point that will surely come as a relief: you don't have to. We don't have the draft anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you choose to watch and are overcome with jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a duchess or a everyday person, hardly any child truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mother puts in 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 handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a sweet treat.
