Ben Affleck ‘Feeling Good’ After Spending Christmas With Ex-Wife

Ben Affleck’s Christmas plans with Jennifer Garner come after spending Thanksgiving together.

Ben Affleck is stepping into the new year with a fresh perspective and a positive mindset—and it’s all thanks to his ex. No, not that ex—we’re talking about Jennifer Garner!

For Christmas, the actor and filmmaker spent quality time with his first ex-wife and their three children: Violet, Fin, and Samuel. According to an insider, Ben is feeling “good about himself” following their festive family celebration.

“Now that Ben’s getting back to his old routine, he’s feeling good about himself,” the insider said. “Spending time with Jen Garner and the kids over the holidays has helped him to feel that everything’s all right in his world again.”

But before anyone jumps to conclusions, this isn’t the start of a romantic reconciliation between Ben and Jennifer Garner. While the former couple has been spotted together frequently in recent months—including a notably warm reunion on Thanksgiving—sources clarify that they are simply committed to maintaining a strong co-parenting relationship.

An insider shared with People that Jennifer Garner remains “very happy” with her boyfriend, John Miller, and that her bond with Ben is purely about their kids and friendship. “They are just friends and all about their kids—that’s it,” the source emphasized.

Interestingly, Ben seems to be applying the same mature and amicable approach to his relationship with his other ex, Jennifer Lopez, amid their ongoing divorce. Despite their split, sources report that Ben and J.Lo “have every intention of continuing to be in each other’s lives despite not being romantically involved.”

Their connection, though primarily centered around their children, speaks volumes about their mutual respect and commitment to keeping things civil. In fact, it’s been reported that Ben even selected a thoughtful Christmas gift for Jennifer Lopez, underscoring the care and consideration he still holds for her.

Over the weekend, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez met at the exclusive Soho House in West Hollywood to exchange Christmas gifts in a private setting. While details about what J.Lo gifted her estranged husband remain under wraps, Ben’s present for Jennifer has been revealed—and it’s incredibly thoughtful.

According to Page Six, the 52-year-old actor selected an autographed Marlon Brando book for Jennifer, knowing how deeply she admires the legendary actor. The special gift was purchased from Mystery Pier Books, a renowned bookstore on Sunset Boulevard. Store owner Louis Jason shared that Ben picked up “a few books” from the shop before their exchange on Sunday.

“Ben gifted Jennifer with the book because she’s a fan, plus her Super Bowl bodysuit was inspired by Marlon Brando. The gifts were mostly for each other’s kids,” the insider told the outlet. “But they did exchange a few small things for each other as well. It was nothing over the top, but more so a gesture to celebrate the holidays. Ben and Jennifer have remained amicable despite the ongoing divorce proceedings.”

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, often referred to as “Bennifer,” have had a relationship spanning over two decades, marked by two engagements and two marriages. Their initial romance began in the early 2000s, leading to an engagement in 2002, which was later called off in 2004.

After nearly two decades apart, the couple rekindled their relationship in 2021, culminating in a Las Vegas wedding on July 16, 2022. They celebrated a larger ceremony with family and friends in Georgia the following month.

However, on August 20, 2024, Lopez filed for divorce from Affleck in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing April 26, 2024, as their date of separation. This filing coincided with their second wedding anniversary. Lopez, who self-filed the divorce paperwork without legal representation, also requested the restoration of her legal name to Jennifer Lynn Lopez.

As they navigate their divorce, both Lopez and Affleck continue to focus on their respective careers and personal lives, striving to move forward while maintaining mutual respect and dedication to their family.