This year marks 35 years since the ultimate Christmas movie, Home Alone, was released. Despite being almost four decades-old the movie has not lost its charm.

Christmas is not as widely celebrated in Bangladesh, as it is a Muslim majority country. There are hardly any big decorations or long holidays. Yet there is a certain vibe around Christmas which I especially feel through movies and television series. Whether it was a Mr. bean episode, a Christmas episode of friends or movies like Home Alone. Christmas feels like a time when family, friends come together with laughter and presents.

When I was a kid, we did not have laptops, projectors or streaming services. TV was the only source of entertainment. Whatever was on the screen, everybody watched it together. It was hard to find something that everybody liked at the same time. But when Home Alone was on, it was not an issue. Both of my parents enjoyed little Kevin’s shenanigans. We laughed together and just enjoyed the time.

The movie is a perfect blend of chaos and entertainment; which is also exactly what having a big family feels like. Something is always bound to go wrong. However, Home Alone turned this phenomenon into something amusing.

As a child, I admired Kevin’s courage. He faced his fears, defended his home and used his imagination to outsmart two grown burglars, even though they were a bit stupid themselves. I loved the traps, the falls, the screams and the ridiculous stuff Harry and Marv went through. It was pure fun and joy.

As an adult, I dive deeper into the story. At its heart, Home Alone is about family bond, as every review states. Kevin’s mother crossing every obstacle just to get back to her son shows how powerful that bond it. Christmas is shown in the films as a time when anything can happen and, in the end, love and close relationships bring solve everything. The idea of wanting to be with your family, no matter what, is universal.

At the same time, the movie also portrayed being alone in a fun light. When we were kids, we always wanted to be home alone and do the things our parents would never allow us to do. And whenever we got the chance, it was pure heaven. Those little moments made us feel like the king of our houses. Eating whatever we like, watching movies, destroying the house and just having fun in our own way. So of course, there is something satisfying about watching Kevin enjoy his independence.

The movie shows the beauty of both sides; the joy of togetherness and the freedom of being alone.

That is why Home Alone is still relevant after 35 years. It is not just a Christmas movie, it is a family movie, a comedy and all and all a comfort movie.

Merry Christmas everyone!