Yes, it's Brimming with Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the time of year, it's always open season for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the series' first and second seasons apart. The common opinion held that a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback once again with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). But this time, things have shifted. The usual elements we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but framed of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid together; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – offering 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 aura is known and unexpectedly soothing. And she seems content; she's causing a bit of damage.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, syllable and look will be dissected and judged, but still appears unburdened and remarkably at ease.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Because, you know what?, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Yes, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and over the top – but isn't that just what Christmas is about? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the example she sets seems authentically impeccably styled.
Anything she sets her mind to, she executes with panache. Her recipes looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she creates is gorgeous, her presents are nearly too beautiful to open. Not a single thing is average or visually unappealing – even the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she folds gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself the entire time. How could any hate-watcher not be won over, overcome by seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where greens is organized in the form of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the level of scrutiny she has weathered ever since she met Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this authentically. Her decision to change or even moderate her shtick, even though it being so constantly, widely parodied, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, come what may. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a reminder that will surely come as a comfort: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription in this country, 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 gripped with envy about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a royal or a office worker, no kid fully understands the dedication and labor their mother does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by picturing the young royals' faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, rather than a sweet treat.
