As the holiday season wraps families in twinkling lights and classic films, Macaulay Culkin is experiencing Home Alone in a way no one could have predicted: through the wide-eyed wonder of his own young sons. The actor, forever etched in pop culture as the mischievous Kevin McCallister from the 1990 blockbuster, has shared heartwarming glimpses into how the movie—now celebrating its 35th anniversary—has become a cherished family ritual with his fiancée Brenda Song and their two boys, Dakota (4) and Carson (3).

Culkin, now 45 and embracing a quieter life away from the intense spotlight of his child star days, revealed during his “A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin” tour that his sons watch Home Alone “often” and absolutely adore it. Yet, in a twist that’s both hilarious and touching, they haven’t fully connected that the plucky kid fending off burglars on screen is their dad at age 10. Instead, the boys excitedly refer to the film simply as “Kevin,” cheering for the character without realizing the family tie.

The real magic unfolds in tender moments at home. Culkin recounted one bedtime story where Dakota, curious about his dad’s childhood, asked to see old family photos. Pointing to a young Macaulay among his siblings, Dakota exclaimed, “That kid looks like Kevin!” The resemblance—spiky blonde hair, wide eyes, and that unmistakable mischievous grin—struck the little boy immediately. But rather than spoil the illusion, Culkin has chosen to let the wonder linger, keeping the revelation gentle for as long as possible.

Even sweeter, Dakota has fully embraced the role in his imagination. The toddler insists he is Kevin, claiming memories of sliding down stairs on a sled, sporting “yellow hair,” and battling the Wet Bandits. Culkin playfully calls him out—”You’re a lying liar who lies! That was me!”—but the mix-up brings laughter and joy to their viewings. The family even recreates Kevin’s iconic dance moves together, turning movie nights into interactive bonding sessions filled with giggles and nostalgia.

For Culkin, these experiences transform the film from a career-defining classic into something profoundly personal. “I don’t watch the movie anymore; I watch them,” he shared, describing how he focuses on his sons’ reactions—their laughter at the traps, their excitement during the chaos. It’s a far cry from the whirlwind of fame that followed the movie’s release, when Home Alone became the highest-grossing live-action comedy for decades and launched Culkin into superstardom.

Now, with a supportive partner in Brenda Song and a focus on fatherhood, Culkin cherishes these simple joys. The couple, engaged since 2022, prioritizes privacy for their boys while embracing holiday traditions that “go all out” with decorations and magic. This full-circle connection—watching a role that defined his youth become a source of innocent delight for his children—highlights the enduring power of Home Alone. It’s not just about traps and triumphs anymore; it’s a bridge across generations, reminding us that some stories, and some family moments, are timeless treasures.

As fans rewatch the festive favorite this December, Culkin’s story adds an extra layer of warmth: proof that Kevin’s spirit lives on, one delighted toddler at a time.