Indeed, it's Full of Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Love Meghan's Christmas Special.
No matter the season, it's perpetually fair game for criticism on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have seldom found such common ground as when gleefully ripping the series' first and second seasons to shreds. The common opinion held that a more egregious regal scandal had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she has returned for another round with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a Christmas special). However on this occasion, it's different. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but set of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen perfectly; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
By this point, Meghan has become the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – providing unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 appears content; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She knows her all subtle gestures, syllable and glance will be dissected and judged, but manages to seem unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Since, let's face it, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is charming. Granted, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and over the top – but is that not exactly what Christmas is all about? And the talk she's talking might be ridiculous, but the example she sets genuinely looks beautifully curated.
Anything she sets her mind to, she executes with panache. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the wreath she creates is stunning, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to open. Not a single thing is average or aesthetically displeasing – even the way she secures her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself the entire time. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a intense desire for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where greens is arranged in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan was once an actress for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the intensity of examination she has endured ever since she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her refusal to alter or even tone down her persona, regardless of it being so persistently, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our uncertain world, here is one thing we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will always know our position with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of what she's selling, a reminder that will certainly come as a relief: you aren't required to. We don't have national service in this country, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are gripped with envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a duchess or a office worker, no kid fully understands the time and energy their parent puts in in December. So you can find comfort by picturing Archie and Lilibet's faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a sweet treat.
