Indeed, it's Full of Absurdity, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the time of year, it's constantly fair game for commentary on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when enthusiastically shredding the program's first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion held that a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Presently, as a festive rebel, she is back once again with a "Festive Special" (aka a Christmas special). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, intense hospitality – remain, but framed of a Christmas special, it all clicks into place. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – providing unsolicited, unnecessary advice, and delivering 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 company is customary and strangely comforting. And she seems pleased; she's not doing a bit of damage.
She is aware her all subtle gestures, utterance and look will be picked apart and scrutinized, but manages to seem carefree and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – may well be true. Since, let's face it, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels delightful. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, silliness and extravagant – but isn't that just what the holiday season is all about? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the example she sets seems authentically impeccably styled.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with style. Her cooking looks delicious, the wreath she makes is stunning, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Not a single thing is ordinary or visually unappealing – even the way she ties her kitchen garment is creative and fashionable. She doesn't bung a dish in the microwave, it "has a moment", and she wraps wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be convinced, filled with holiday spirit and left with a powerful yearning for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where greens is positioned in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the level of examination she has weathered since she met Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this naturally. Her refusal to alter or even moderate her shtick, regardless of it being so persistently, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will forever know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a reminder that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you don't have to. The UK has abolished national service in this country, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are overcome with envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, hardly any child truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mother puts in in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, rather than a chocolate.
