Yes, it's Packed with Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No concerned with the season, it's always open season for criticism on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have seldom found such common ground as when eagerly tearing the lifestyle show's initial installments apart. The common opinion was that a greater royal outrage had seldom occurred than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Currently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she makes a comeback once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (aka a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – meaningless jargon salads, overzealous entertaining – are still present, but set of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid together; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
Now, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – dispensing random tips, 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 a bit of a character, but her aura is known and strangely comforting. And she seems happy enough; she's not doing any harm.
She knows her every micro expression, syllable and look will be picked apart and criticised, but still appears carefree and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the only time in history where that well-worn saying – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. Since, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is charming. Granted, it's all awkwardly over-the-top, foolishness and flamboyant – but is that not exactly what Yuletide is about? And the words she speaks might be laughable, but the life she leads seems authentically shop-bought.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she executes with panache. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she makes is gorgeous, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Not a single thing is ordinary or ugly – even the way she fastens her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't bung a dish in the oven, it "goes for a spin", and she creases wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, bursting with festive joy and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where broccoli is organized in the likeness of a Christmas ring?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but despite that, after the intensity of examination she has endured since she started dating Prince Harry, the love child of two legendary actresses would struggle to act this authentically. Her decision to modify or even moderate her shtick, even though it being so constantly, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will stay true to form, no matter what. We will forever know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her brand, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you aren't required to. We don't have national service in this country, and were it to return, it would be unlikely to include streaming With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you decide to tune in and are gripped with jealousy about her flawless Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a duchess or a office worker, few children truly appreciates the time and energy their parent puts in in December. So you can find comfort by envisioning the young royals' faces when they open a calligraphy note that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a homemade Advent calendar, instead of a chocolate.
