Indeed, it's Brimming with Nonsense, Over-the-Top Hospitality and Self-Help Jargon. But I Do Love Meghan's Festive Episode.
No matter the season, it's always hunting season for commentary on the Meghan Markle's Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Critics, expert and amateur alike, have rarely been so united as when enthusiastically shredding the series' earlier episodes to pieces. The common opinion was that a more egregious regal scandal had never been witnessed than the much-discussed pretzel re-packaging incident.
Now, like a merry renegade master, she has returned once again with a "Festive Special" (or a holiday episode). But this time, the dynamic has changed. The usual elements we've come to expect – meaningless jargon salads, extreme hosting – remain, but within the context of a holiday show, it all clicks into place. The elements have slid perfectly; it's a perfect snow storm.
At this stage, Meghan has become the eccentric aunt at the typical holiday get-together – offering unasked-for guidance, and contributing 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 quite a personality, but her company is customary and oddly reassuring. And she seems content; she's not doing a bit of damage.
She understands her all subtle gestures, utterance and gaze will be dissected and scrutinized, but manages to seem unburdened and remarkably at ease.
It could be this is the only time in history where that old chestnut – "Pay no mind, it's only envy" – may well be true. Since, let's face it, everything in Meghan's Holiday Celebration truly is delightful. Granted, it's all painfully excessive, foolishness and flamboyant – but doesn't that represent exactly what Yuletide is about? And the talk she's talking might be laughable, but the life she leads appears to be shop-bought.
Anything she sets her mind to, she pulls off with style. Her culinary efforts looks delicious, the holiday arrangement she crafts is breathtaking, her presents are almost too pretty to unwrap. Nothing is average or visually unappealing – even the way she fastens her apron is stylish and elegant. She doesn't throw a dish in the oven, it "takes a twirl", and she wraps wrapping paper like an origami guru. She also seems to be genuinely relishing herself throughout. How could any cynical observer not be charmed, filled with holiday spirit and left with a deep longing for handmade crackers or a crudites platter where broccoli is arranged in the shape of a festive circle?
Meghan had a career in acting for a living, naturally, but nonetheless, after the intensity of attention she has endured from the moment she became involved with Prince Harry, the love child of Meryl Streep and Judi Dench would have difficulty behaving this naturally. Her decision to change or even soften her persona, despite it being so constantly, internationally ridiculed, is oddly heartening. In our unpredictable world, here is something we can count on: Meghan will be like this, no matter what. We will always know what to expect with her.
If you're remaining skeptical of her message, a point that will undoubtedly come as a comfort: you are not obligated to. The UK has abolished the draft in this country, and should it be reinstated, it would be doubtful to include viewing With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration. If, on the other hand, you decide to tune in and are gripped with jealousy about her picture-perfect Christmas, you can take solace either. Whether you're a royal or a data administrator, hardly any child completely grasps the dedication and labor their parent puts in in December. So you can take heart by envisioning 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.