Admittedly, it's Brimming with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Holiday Special.
No matter the season, it's constantly hunting season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the program's earlier episodes apart. The general consensus seemed to be a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the now-infamous snack re-labeling incident.
Now, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back for another round with a "Holiday Celebration" (or a Christmas special). But this time, things have shifted. The standard components we've come to expect – psychobabble word salads, extreme hosting – persist, but within the context of a Christmas special, suddenly it all makes sense. 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 unasked-for guidance, and delivering 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 an interesting figure, but her company is customary and unexpectedly soothing. And she appears content; she's causing a bit of damage.
She understands her each tiny facial movement, utterance and gaze will be picked apart and scrutinized, but manages to seem unburdened and too blessed to be stressed.
Perhaps this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – could actually be true. The reason is, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Yes, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and over the top – but is that not just what Yuletide is about? And the advice she gives might be laughable, but the life she leads appears to be impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with style. Her culinary efforts looks tasty, the holiday arrangement she makes is breathtaking, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to open. Nothing is average or visually unappealing – even the way she fastens her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she folds gift paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself throughout. How could any hate-watcher not be charmed, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a powerful yearning for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a wreath?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, obviously, but even so, after the intensity of scrutiny she has weathered from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of two legendary actresses would find it hard to appear this naturally. Her unwillingness to alter or even soften her routine, despite it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will forever know what to expect 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 these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are overcome with envy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Be you a royal or a data administrator, no kid completely grasps the time and energy their mother expends in December. So you can find comfort by imagining the young royals' faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
