Admittedly, it's Packed with Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. However, I Honestly Adore Meghan's Christmas Special.
No concerned with the season, it's always fair game for scrutiny on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have hardly ever agreed so completely as when gleefully ripping the series' earlier episodes to pieces. The general consensus was that a greater royal outrage had hardly ever taken place than the now-infamous pretzel re-packaging incident.
Presently, like a merry renegade master, she has returned once again with a "Christmas Special" (also known as a Christmas special). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The usual elements audiences anticipate – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but set of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The puzzle has come together; it's a flawless festive blizzard.
At this stage, Meghan is like the quirky relative at most festive family gatherings – dispensing random tips, 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 aura is known and strangely comforting. And she seems happy enough; she's causing a bit of damage.
She understands her every micro expression, utterance and gaze will be picked apart and judged, but manages to seem carefree and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the first occasion in history where that old chestnut – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – might be true. Because, let's face it, all aspects in Meghan's Holiday Celebration is lovely. Admittedly, it's all cringily ultra-extra, foolishness and extravagant – but is that not just what Christmas is all about? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the life she leads appears to be impeccably styled.
Anything she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she accomplishes with flair. Her culinary efforts looks scrumptious, the festive decoration she crafts is stunning, her presents are almost too pretty to tear into. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – including the way she fastens her kitchen garment is artful and chic. She doesn't throw a meal in the microwave, it "takes a twirl", and she creases wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be completely savoring herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for crafted festive snaps or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the form of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the level of scrutiny she has endured from the moment she met Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of two legendary actresses would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her decision to change or even moderate her shtick, regardless of it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is weirdly comforting. 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 not yet convinced by what she's selling, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished national service anymore, and if there were, it would be unlikely to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you decide to tune in and are overcome with envy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, no kid truly appreciates the time and energy their parent does in the holiday season. So you can console yourself by envisioning her children's faces when they reveal a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a chocolate.
