Yes, it's Packed with Nonsense, Extreme Hosting and Psychobabble. However, I Honestly Cherish Meghan's Festive Episode.
No concerned with the time of year, it's constantly open season for criticism on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the program's earlier episodes apart. The common opinion was that a bigger monarchy-related faux pas had seldom occurred than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she is back for another round with a "Holiday Celebration" (also known as a yuletide episode). Yet now, things have shifted. The familiar ingredients we've come to expect – vague self-help platitudes, extreme hosting – are still present, but framed of a yuletide episode, suddenly it all makes sense. The puzzle has come together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
Now, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at most festive family gatherings – offering unasked-for guidance, 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 presence is familiar and oddly reassuring. And she seems content; she's causing any harm.
She knows her each tiny facial movement, word and look will be analyzed and scrutinized, but manages to seem carefree and too blessed to be stressed.
Maybe this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. The reason is, you know what?, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and extravagant – but is that not precisely what the holiday season is about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the life she leads genuinely looks impeccably styled.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with panache. Her recipes looks tasty, the festive decoration she crafts is breathtaking, her presents are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Nothing is average or ugly – including the way she secures her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a meal in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she wraps wrapping paper like an craft master. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, filled with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the degree of attention she has weathered from the moment she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her refusal to change or even soften her shtick, even though it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is strangely reassuring. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, no matter what. We will consistently know our position with her.
If you're still not buying her brand, a reminder that will surely come as a reassurance: you are not obligated to. There isn't national service anymore, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you willingly check it out and are overcome with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a duchess or a data administrator, no kid truly appreciates the time and energy their parent expends in December. So you can take heart by picturing the young royals' faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, in place of a sweet treat.
