Yes, it's Full of Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's TV show, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the program's initial installments apart. The general consensus held that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had never been witnessed than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she has returned for another round with a "Festive Special" (also known as a holiday episode). But this time, things have shifted. The standard components we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid into place; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – dispensing 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 quite a personality, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears happy enough; she's causing any harm.
She knows her all subtle gestures, syllable and glance will be analyzed and criticised, but nonetheless looks relaxed and serenely untroubled.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that clichéd phrase – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Since, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Yes, it's all cringily ultra-extra, nonsense and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent just what Christmas is for? And the words she speaks might be ridiculous, but the example she sets genuinely looks shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she accomplishes with panache. Her recipes looks delicious, the festive decoration she makes is breathtaking, her presents are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – including the way she secures her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't bung a dish in the oven, it "has a moment", and she creases wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be completely savoring herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a intense desire for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the degree of scrutiny she has faced from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this naturally. Her refusal to alter or even soften her persona, even though it being so constantly, widely parodied, is weirdly comforting. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a point that will certainly come as a comfort: you don't have to. The UK has abolished mandatory conscription in this country, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are consumed by longing about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. If you are a royal or a office worker, hardly any child truly appreciates the time and energy their mum expends in the holiday season. So you can take heart by imagining the young royals' faces when they reveal a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a chocolate.
