Indeed, it's Full of Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the season, it's perpetually fair game for criticism on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when eagerly tearing the series' initial installments to pieces. The prevailing view was that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she has returned for another round with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a holiday episode). Yet now, it's different. The usual elements audiences anticipate – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but within the context of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – offering random tips, and supplying 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 oddly reassuring. And she seems content; she's inflicting the slightest hurt.
She understands her all subtle gestures, utterance and glance will be analyzed and criticised, but nonetheless looks carefree and too blessed to be stressed.
It could be this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. Since, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and over the top – but doesn't that represent exactly what Yuletide is all about? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Whatever she attempts, she accomplishes with flair. Her cooking looks tasty, the festive decoration she makes is stunning, her presents are almost too pretty to tear into. Nothing is ordinary or visually unappealing – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she folds wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, filled with festive joy and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a festive circle?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the level of attention she has weathered ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this authentically. Her unwillingness to alter or even soften her persona, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can rely on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a point that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you are not obligated to. We don't have national service these days, and if there were, it would be improbable to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are consumed by envy about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. If you are a duchess or a data administrator, hardly any child fully understands the time and energy their mother puts in in December. So you can console yourself by imagining Archie and Lilibet's faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a sweet treat.
