Indeed, it's Full of Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. Yet I Truly Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the season, it's always open season for criticism on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have seldom found such common ground as when enthusiastically shredding the program's initial installments apart. The general consensus seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she makes a comeback with a new offering with a "Holiday Celebration" (also known as a yuletide episode). But this time, things have shifted. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, intense hospitality – remain, but within the context of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan has become the oddball family member at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, and delivering 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 quite a personality, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, utterance and glance will be picked apart and scrutinized, but manages to seem relaxed and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – might be true. The reason is, in all honesty, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and flamboyant – but is that not precisely what Christmas is about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the walk she's walking seems authentically impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with flair. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the wreath she creates is gorgeous, her gifts are almost too pretty to unwrap. Not a single thing is ordinary or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a dish in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she creases wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is positioned in the form of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the degree of attention she has faced since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would struggle to act this naturally. Her decision to modify or even soften her shtick, even though it being so constantly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished the draft in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are gripped with envy about her flawless Christmas, you can take solace either. Be you a duchess or a office worker, no kid fully understands the dedication and labor their mum does in December. So you can take heart by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, in place of a chocolate.
