Indeed, it's Packed with Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the time of year, it's perpetually fair game for criticism on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, both professional and armchair, have seldom found such common ground as when eagerly tearing the program's earlier episodes apart. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she is back once again with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but framed of a yuletide episode, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at most festive family gatherings – dispensing random tips, 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 a bit of a character, but her aura is known and strangely comforting. And she looks pleased; she's causing a bit of damage.
She knows her all subtle gestures, word and look will be dissected and scrutinized, but nonetheless looks relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and extravagant – but is that not exactly what Christmas is all about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the example she sets appears to be beautifully curated.
Anything she attempts, she executes with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the wreath she crafts is stunning, her presents are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is ordinary or visually unappealing – even the way she fastens her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she wraps gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, overcome by festive joy and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the form of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the intensity of scrutiny she has faced from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her unwillingness to modify or even moderate her routine, despite it being so constantly, widely parodied, is weirdly comforting. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, whatever happens. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a point that will surely come as a comfort: you don't have to. The UK has abolished the draft anymore, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are consumed by jealousy about her idyllic Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a duchess or a everyday person, hardly any child truly appreciates the dedication and labor their parent puts in in December. So you can take heart by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a chocolate.
