For many in the 21st century, Christmas isn’t just about traditional things like trees, gifts, love, peace, or holiday meals like stuffed cabbage and fish soup. It’s also about Home Alone. Whether we dread it or look forward to it, the film and its sequel inevitably make their way to TV screens as the holidays approach—if we even watch TV anymore. This year was no exception, as Kevin McCallister reappeared during the festive season, prompting director Chris Columbus to shed light on the wealth of Kevin’s parents and their occupations. At the same time, he dismissed a popular fan theory: no, Kevin’s father is not a criminal.
It’s hard to miss how wealthy the McCallister family appears in the film. Their house is enormous, filled with modern furniture and appliances, and the family is preparing for a European vacation—not a quiet, intimate getaway but a grand, extended family adventure. For many viewers, especially those familiar with tighter budgets, the question arises: where does all this money come from? Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the family returns home shortly after departing due to Kevin being left behind, spending money as if it grows on trees. Columbus explained the family’s financial comfort to The Hollywood Reporter:
"Back when John Hughes, the screenwriter, and I were discussing the characters, we decided on their occupations. Kate, the mother, is a very successful fashion designer. Peter, the father, could have been working in advertising—something close to John Hughes’ personal experience—but I don’t remember the exact profession we decided on for him. What I can confirm is that we didn’t go for organized crime—even though, at the time, organized crime was quite prevalent in Chicago."
A fan theory that has resurfaced time and again on the internet stems not just from the McCallisters' obvious wealth but also from the idea that the two bumbling antagonists, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), targeted their house because they knew it belonged to a powerful criminal. According to the theory, Peter McCallister’s mob connections made his home a lucrative target. However, the theory falters when you consider that if Peter were truly a gangster, he’d quickly track down the petty thieves and ensure they “disappeared” for scaring his son.
Another theory posits that Uncle Frank, who harshly scolds Kevin the night before the trip, harbored resentment toward Peter and orchestrated the burglary with Harry and Marv. But Columbus has now definitively put such theories to rest, revealing that none of this was considered when creating the characters during script development.
Interestingly, fans had accurately guessed Kate’s profession. Based on the mannequins seen in the basement, many speculated that Catherine O’Hara’s character worked in fashion—and they were right!
