Admittedly, it's Full of Absurdity, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's perpetually open season for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, as a festive rebel, she is back with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a yuletide episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – persist, but within the context of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan is like the quirky relative at Christmas celebrations everywhere – providing random tips, and contributing the occasional strange exclamation. ("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 company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems pleased; she's not doing the slightest hurt.
She knows her every micro expression, word and look will be dissected and criticised, but still appears unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
It could be this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. The reason is, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Admittedly, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and over the top – but doesn't that represent precisely what Christmas is all about? And the advice she gives might be absurd, but the example she sets appears to be impeccably styled.
Anything she attempts, she pulls off with flair. Her recipes looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she crafts is gorgeous, her gifts are practically too exquisite to tear into. Not a single thing is ordinary or visually unappealing – even the way she secures her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she folds gift paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but even so, after the degree of scrutiny she has weathered from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this naturally. Her refusal to change or even tone down her persona, despite it being so relentlessly, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will stay true to form, come what may. We will always know where we are with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her message, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you aren't required to. There isn't the draft these days, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you choose to watch and are overcome with envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a office worker, hardly any child fully understands the time and energy their mum expends in December. So you can console yourself by picturing her children's faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a chocolate.
