Yes, it's Packed with Gibberish, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Psychobabble. But I Do Cherish Meghan's Christmas Special.
No considering the season, it's constantly fair game for criticism on the Meghan Markle's televisual offering, With Love, Meghan. Reviewers, both professional and armchair, have rarely been so united as when gleefully ripping the series' first and second seasons apart. The general consensus was that a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the much-discussed snack re-labeling incident.
Now, as a festive rebel, she has returned once again with a "Holiday Celebration" (or a yuletide episode). Yet now, it's different. The familiar ingredients viewers are accustomed to – vague self-help platitudes, overzealous entertaining – persist, but set of a yuletide episode, the purpose becomes clear. The elements have slid together; it's a perfect snow storm.
By this point, Meghan is like the quirky relative at the typical holiday get-together – offering random tips, and contributing 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 an interesting figure, but her aura is known and unexpectedly soothing. And she looks content; she's causing a bit of damage.
She knows her all subtle gestures, syllable and gaze will be analyzed and judged, but manages to seem relaxed and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Ignore them, they're just jealous" – might be true. Since, you know what?, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is lovely. Granted, it's all painfully excessive, silliness and over the top – but is that not just what the holiday season is for? And the words she speaks might be absurd, but the walk she's walking genuinely looks shop-bought.
Whatever she turns her beautifully manicured, diamond-adorned hand to, she pulls off with flair. Her culinary efforts looks tasty, the wreath she crafts is gorgeous, her gifts are nearly too beautiful to unwrap. Nothing is mediocre or ugly – including the way she fastens her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't bung a meal in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps gift paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be thoroughly enjoying herself from start to finish. How could any hate-watcher not be convinced, bursting with festive joy and left with a powerful yearning for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is positioned in the shape of a wreath?
Meghan used to pretend for a living, obviously, but nonetheless, after the degree of scrutiny she has weathered from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, even a hypothetical offspring of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would find it hard to appear this authentically. Her decision to change or even moderate her routine, despite it being so constantly, widely parodied, is strangely reassuring. In our volatile world, here is one thing we can depend on: Meghan will remain herself, whatever happens. We will always know our position with her.
If you're not yet convinced by what she's selling, a reminder that will surely come as a relief: you aren't required to. The UK has abolished national service anymore, and if there were, it would be doubtful to include watching With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are overcome with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, all is not lost either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child fully understands the time and energy their mum expends in December. So you can take heart by picturing her children's faces when they open a beautifully scripted letter that says, 'I love you because you are brave,' from a DIY festive calendar, instead of a chocolate.