When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister wakes up one morning and finds himself Home Alone, he is jubilant. Freedom, he thinks! No more drama and family dysfunction! I can do whatever I want without judgment or fear that someone is going to complain. Woohoo! This is the life!

Home Alone Can Be Liberating

This house is so full of people it makes me sick. When I grow up and get married, I’m living alone.

Kevin McCallister, Home Alone (1990)

It turns out all he really wanted to do was sit around and binge on some ice cream while watching a gangster movie. Honestly, he did not need his family to disappear forever to get a little respite. He just needed a few hours to himself.

Who can’t relate to that? We all need to get away at some point. After all, life can get noisy. Whether you’re a kid or a parent, a boss or an employee, a friend or a lover, sometimes you just need a little breathing room. Having the opportunity to take a little time for yourself can be rejuvenating. Whether it’s going for a walk, taking a warm bath, meditating a few minutes or literally going away for a bit, you deserve some self-care.

Home Alone Can Be Nostalgic

Kevin changes his mind when he finds himself alone over the holidays. He misses the excitement the season usually brings, even misses his hooligan brother. He becomes nostalgic about the good times and, if you are honest with yourself, you might too.

[to Santa’s helper] This is extremely important. Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back. No toys. Nothing but Peter, Kate, Buzz, Megan, Linnie, and Jeff. And my aunt and my cousins. And if he has time, my Uncle Frank. Okay?

Kevin McCallister, Home Alone (1990)

When you are young, you want things. When you are older, you realize that people and experiences are what really matter. The truth is not everyone has someone. Some people are alone. They may be estranged or grieving or lost in some way. Even though you believe the holidays are a time to celebrate, they may not be of the same mind.

The best thing you can do during the holidays (and year round!) is to be charitable. Not necessarily with money but with empathy. Be kind to your fellow man. You may not know what they are going through and you may not be able to relate even if you did. You can still respect their journey. Taking a moment to show you care can make all the difference.

Home Alone Can Be Eye Opening

Personally, I cannot imagine waking up one day and being all alone, never mind as a little kid. Not that I haven’t been alone before. Of course, I have. The difference is whether or not it’s by choice.

Kevin responded to being alone in spectacular fashion. A second grader, he managed to go grocery shopping and protect his house from a pair of “wet” bandits. He showed independence and self-determination. That’s not what made his story great though. It is when he reached out to the old man down the street who would later save his life.

You live down the street from me right? You know anytime you see me you can always say hello, you don’t have to be afraid.

“Old Man Marley” (Kevin McCallister’s neighbor), Home Alone (1990)

It took a while but Kevin learned his lesson. You may not always acknowledge the people in your life. You may even take them for granted sometimes. Remember that each and every one of them is a blessing, even when they drive you nuts. Sometimes you just have to be brave enough to get to know them better.

While it is important to step away when you need a break, it is also important to realize how rich your life is when you come back. Being human is about connection. That connection adds color and meaning to your life. Including others in your journey can add color to theirs too.