Insiders Reveal How Ben Affleck May or May Not ‘Dictate’ Jennifer Lopez’s Actions for Holiday Season

While the holiday season can be an amazing time for families, it can also be a somewhat emotionally charged time for many. But Jennifer Lopez is determined not to let the emotional turmoil of her divorce from Ben Affleck “dictate” her holiday plans. Instead, she’s leaning into the spirit of the season with a focus on family and togetherness, according to insiders. 

“Jennifer’s determined not to let the pain of the divorce dictate her actions,” an insider explained to InTouch Weekly. “She has so much love for Ben and his kids, and her kids feel the same way, so she really wants to have a celebration with all of them together. She wants to prove that they can consciously uncouple and for her that means having a special holiday celebration together.”

This year, Lopez isn’t just setting the table for her kids, but for Affleck’s children with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner — Violet, 18, Fin, 15, and Samuel, 12. Affleck and Garner recently brought the family together, volunteering at Midnight Mission in downtown Los Angeles on Thanksgiving. 

“Jen loves the holiday season and she always goes all out,” the source added. “Even though she and Ben aren’t together, she’s still planning to treat him and his kids like family. That means loads of extravagant presents and big gatherings with home-cooked meals.”

Insiders add that Affleck appreciates Lopez’s generosity, which hasn’t gone unnoticed. “Ben has been making a big effort to be nicer and more agreeable with J. Lo,” another source shared. “It helps that she’s been so wonderful to his kids since they split up. That has scored huge points with him and really softened his heart towards her.”

So while we don’t know exactly how the exes will be spending their holidays, it seems like things are looking pretty amicable for the recent divorcees. Here’s hoping that it serves everyone — especially the kids — involved. 

Before you go, click here to see a complete timeline of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s relationship.