You Can Learn Some Life Lessons From Kevin McCallister

Yes, Kevin McCallister in the movies Home Alone and Home Alone: Lost in New York

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Ah, the plethora of Christmas movies this time of year! So many to choose from and so many to view over and over. They all have that Christmas spirit message. I love a good holiday movie and I have my favorites. Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are not among my favorites.

The Home Alone series seems so ridiculous with their outrageous plots and impossible stunts. For an 8 and 10-year-old no less.

However, with Home Alone 2 on TV in the background 2 nights ago, I realized these movies have more than a Christmas message. Or maybe they don’t have a Christmas message, but I digress.

Kevin demonstrates life lessons from which we can all benefit.

1. When things do not go your way don’t panic. Change your plan. We all know the picture of Macaulay Culkin looking surprised at his predicament of being left alone, but that is only a brief moment in the film. After his initial surprise, Kevin changes his plans.
2. Don’t wallow in self-pity. Move on. Kevin sees the bright side and makes the best of his situation. He has fun doing it.
3. Be resourceful and creative. Use what you know. In both movies, Kevin uses items and situations to his advantage. Okay, movie magic made sure he had what he needed, but the lesson is still there.
4. Always be polite and use your manners. You will go further. Kevin is unfailingly polite to adults. As a result, he often gets unreasonable requests granted, like a hotel room in the Plaza. Seriously, let’s be nice to each other.
5. Listen. Kevin listens to others, often people that others ignore. He learns from them and benefits from their wisdom.
6. Take the time to learn first hand about others instead of depending on appearances and second-hand information. Everyone has a story and it may not be what you think. Kevin takes the time to get to know the elderly neighbor and the pigeon lady. He is surprised to learn the truth about them and gains 2 new friends.
7. Forgive. Kevin sees himself as the forgotten child of the family, yet at the end of the movie, he still forgives them for leaving him.

I think we all need to be a little like Kevin. Don’t you?

Happy Holidays!