No, I assure you that it is not cheating to do different articles for Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. For one thing, despite sharing similar themes, they are completely different and distinct movies. For another, Home Alone 2 deals with a different - and equally important - aspect of Christmas.

The tree.

Christmas trees are, and I don’t think I’m overstating the case here, the most vital part of Christmas tradition. You don’t skimp on a tree. I mean, I’ve known people who have, and it really disturbs me. You don’t screw around with the tree. If all you can afford is a $20 tree that’s knee-high to an ear of corn or whatever the expression is, then get one! If you have a small apartment, the same option exists for you. If your landlord forbids it, and ONLY if, then get (shudder) a fake tree. If your cats attack it, lock those little demons in the other side of the house. Or get new cats. I’m just saying, my cat has never even noticed the tree. Maybe yours are just defective.

Anyway, I think I was writing about Home Alone 2 at some point, so let’s get back to that. It’s even more ridiculous and highly improbable than the first; by an incredible twist of fate, Kevin and the escaped criminals from the first movie actually end up in the same area of New York just because Kevin got on the wrong plane. (Amazingly, he was actually able to board without a boarding pass. That’s one of those things that wouldn’t fly nowadays. Or probably ever. But this is a kid’s movie.)

This year, Kevin’s dissatisfaction with his family centers around the fact that they’re going to Florida for Christmas, and Florida doesn’t have Christmas trees. Kevin’s mom explains that they can get a fake tree, or decorate a palm tree. I am pretty sure that people also buy Christmas trees even in Florida, but again, kid’s movie. There’s no room for logic.

So, while trying to put batteries in his Walkman, he loses track of his dad and mistakes another man wearing the same coat for the man he should be following. When he follows this false father onto a plane to New York, THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

In the climactic, emotional reunion, Kevin’s mother finds him at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Because Christmas trees are important. It might not be the deepest message of all time, but I like it. Everyone go get a Christmas tree!

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