Yes, it's Full of Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Adore Meghan's Festive Episode.
No considering the time of year, it's always open season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Commentators, from seasoned journalists to online pundits, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the series' earlier episodes to pieces. The general consensus seemed to be a greater royal outrage had hardly ever taken place than the much-discussed pretzel-bagging incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she is back with a new offering with a "Festive Special" (also known as a yuletide episode). However on this occasion, things have shifted. The standard components viewers are accustomed to – psychobabble word salads, intense hospitality – are still present, but within the context of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid into place; it's a ideal seasonal storm.
By this point, Meghan is like the eccentric aunt at Christmas celebrations everywhere – providing random tips, and supplying 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 quite a personality, but her aura is known and oddly reassuring. And she seems happy enough; she's causing the slightest hurt.
She is aware her each tiny facial movement, word and look will be picked apart and criticised, but nonetheless looks unburdened and serenely untroubled.
It could be this is the only time in history where that clichéd phrase – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – could actually be true. The reason is, in all honesty, each element in Meghan's Holiday Celebration honestly feels lovely. Admittedly, it's all painfully excessive, foolishness and flamboyant – but isn't that exactly what Christmas is all about? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the life she leads seems authentically beautifully curated.
Whatever she attempts, she accomplishes with style. Her cooking looks scrumptious, the holiday arrangement she crafts is stunning, her presents are nearly too beautiful to tear into. Nothing is mediocre or aesthetically displeasing – including the way she fastens her apron is artful and chic. She doesn't toss a dish in the microwave, it "goes for a spin", and she creases wrapping paper like an paper-folding expert. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself from start to finish. How could any skeptical viewer not be charmed, bursting with seasonal cheer and left with a deep longing for personalized Christmas crackers or a vegetable display where greens is arranged in the likeness of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but despite that, after the intensity of attention she has endured from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, a theoretical combination of acting royalty would have difficulty behaving this genuinely. Her refusal to alter or even tone down her shtick, even though it being so persistently, globally mocked, is oddly heartening. In our uncertain world, here is something we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will consistently know where we are with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a thought that will undoubtedly come as a reassurance: you aren't required to. There isn't national service anymore, and should it be reinstated, it would be improbable to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, however, you willingly check it out and are consumed by jealousy about her flawless Christmas, there is hope either. Whether you're a royal or a everyday person, few children truly appreciates the dedication and labor their parent expends in December. So you can console yourself by envisioning the young royals' faces when they unfold a handwritten message that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, rather than a candy.
