Home Alone is a Christmas classic for a reason – but parents pressing play with kids for the first time have been warned to brace themselves for a very modern surprise.
For many households, it simply doesn’t feel like the festive season until Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister has successfully outsmarted the Wet Bandits and defended his family home with paint cans, micro machines and a lot of screams. But if 2025 marks your child’s first viewing of the iconic holiday movie, there’s one unexpected thing that could send them into absolute chaos: the viral ‘6 7’ trend.
Why Home Alone Is Still a Christmas Staple
Released 35 years ago, Home Alone remains one of the most beloved Christmas films of all time. The movie follows Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for the holidays.
While Kate and Peter McCallister frantically try to get back to Chicago, Kevin is left to fend for himself – and ultimately protect the family’s Winnetka home from burglars Harry and Marv, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. It’s festive, chaotic and endlessly rewatchable.
But Gen Alpha viewers may not be focused on the slapstick comedy this year.
What Is the Viral ‘6 7’ Trend?
If you’ve somehow avoided hearing kids yell “six, seven” at random moments, consider yourself lucky. The trend originates from Skrilla’s song Doot Doot (6 7) and quickly spread from basketball culture to social media, classrooms and even live TV moments.
Often compared to the infamous Vine-era “21” trend, ‘6 7’ is now Gen Alpha’s go-to verbal jump scare. The rule is simple: if someone says “six” and “seven” in any context, chaos must follow.
When ‘6 7’ Pops Up in Home Alone
Unfortunately for parents, Home Alone contains multiple accidental triggers.
One standout moment comes when John Candy’s Gus Polinski tells Kate that he once left his own son at a funeral parlour and that it took him “six, seven weeks” to recover. Another happens during a family headcount scene, when cousin Heather audibly says “six, seven.”
Eagle-eyed kids may even notice that the McCallister house is located at 671 Lincoln Boulevard which, yes, only adds fuel to the fire.
Parents Warn Others About Kids’ Reactions
According to Yahoo! Entertainment, parents have taken to social media to warn others about what’s coming.
“Your kids will likely jump up and yell just as mine did last night,” one parent wrote. “YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!”
Another admitted they were completely caught off guard, saying they “just stared with my mouth open, processing what had happened.”
Meanwhile, some adults online have made it clear they’re officially over the trend. “I roll my eyes every time I hear it,” one X user wrote. “The trend is dead, stop.”
Final Warning Before You Press Play
So if you’re introducing Home Alone to a new generation this Christmas, just know what you’re signing up for. The Wet Bandits may be painful to watch – but nothing compares to a room full of kids shouting “6 7” at full volume.
Happy viewing… you filthy animals.