Yes, it's Packed with Gibberish, Extreme Hosting and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Cherish Meghan's Holiday Special.
No considering the time of year, it's always hunting season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Critics, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the series' earlier episodes to shreds. The common opinion seemed to be a more egregious regal scandal had seldom occurred than the notorious pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, in the spirit of a holiday maverick, she is back with a new offering with a "Christmas Special" (or a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, it's different. The standard components we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – are still present, but set of a Christmas special, the purpose becomes clear. The pieces have fallen together; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
At this stage, Meghan resembles the oddball family member at the typical holiday get-together – providing unasked-for guidance, and supplying 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 a bit of a character, but her presence is familiar and strangely comforting. And she seems pleased; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She knows her every micro expression, word and glance will be analyzed and judged, but still appears relaxed and remarkably at ease.
Perhaps this is the initial instance in history where that old chestnut – "Don't listen, it's pure jealousy" – could actually be true. The reason is, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels charming. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, nonsense and over the top – but isn't that exactly what Christmas is for? And the advice she gives might be ridiculous, but the life she leads genuinely looks shop-bought.
Anything she attempts, she executes with flair. Her cooking looks tasty, the festive decoration she crafts is stunning, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to open. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – including the way she ties her kitchen garment is stylish and elegant. She doesn't bung a dish in the oven, it "has a moment", and she creases wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any skeptical viewer not be convinced, filled with festive joy and left with a intense desire for crafted festive snaps or a vegetable display where greens is positioned in the shape of a Christmas ring?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, of course, but nonetheless, after the level of examination she has weathered ever since she met Prince Harry, the love child of acting royalty would find it hard to appear this genuinely. Her refusal to alter or even soften her persona, even though it being so relentlessly, globally mocked, is strangely reassuring. In our volatile world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will consistently know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a point that will undoubtedly come as a relief: you don't have to. The UK has abolished national service in this country, and were it to return, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, conversely, you willingly check it out and are overcome with envy about her flawless Christmas, you can take solace either. If you are a duchess or a data administrator, few children truly appreciates the effort and hard work their mum does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by imagining her children's faces when they reveal a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a candy.
