Admittedly, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the time of year, it's always open season for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have rarely been so united as when eagerly tearing the series' initial installments to pieces. The general consensus seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she is back with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (or a Christmas special). Yet now, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – remain, but framed of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The puzzle has come perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
By this point, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – 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 company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems happy enough; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her every micro expression, word and gaze will be analyzed and criticised, but manages to seem carefree and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. Since, in all honesty, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and flamboyant – but is that not precisely what the holiday season is for? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the life she leads appears to be beautifully curated.
Whatever she attempts, she pulls off with flair. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she crafts is breathtaking, her presents are almost too pretty to open. Not a single thing is mediocre or ugly – even the way she fastens her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be convinced, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where greens is organized in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but even so, after the intensity of attention she has faced from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this genuinely. Her decision to change or even tone down her shtick, even though it being so persistently, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished national service these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are consumed by longing about her idyllic Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, no kid truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by picturing her children's faces when they open a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a sweet treat.