Admittedly, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's perpetually open season for criticism on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the lifestyle show's earlier episodes apart. The general consensus seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she is back with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (aka a holiday episode). Yet now, it's different. The usual elements we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a holiday show, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid together; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan is like the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing random tips, 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, word and gaze will be analyzed and judged, but manages to seem carefree and serenely untroubled.
Maybe this is the first occasion in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. Since, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, nonsense and extravagant – but doesn't that represent precisely what Yuletide is for? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the life she leads genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Whatever she attempts, she accomplishes with flair. Her recipes looks delicious, the festive decoration she makes is stunning, her presents are nearly too beautiful to open. Not a single thing is average or ugly – including the way she secures her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a meal in the oven, it "has a moment", and she wraps wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be completely savoring herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be won over, overcome by holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the degree of attention she has weathered from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would struggle to act this genuinely. Her refusal to change or even soften her routine, despite it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our unpredictable world, here is one thing we can rely on: Meghan will be like this, whatever happens. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by her brand, a reminder that will surely come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. There isn't the draft these days, and should it be reinstated, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you choose to watch and are overcome with longing about her idyllic Christmas, there is hope either. Be you a royal or a office worker, no kid truly appreciates the dedication and labor their mother does in December. So you can take heart by envisioning the young royals' faces when they unfold a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a handcrafted holiday countdown, instead of a candy.
