Ben Affleck chose to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving this year by spending time with his first ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, instead of his most recent ex, Jennifer Lopez. The holiday was marked by family and philanthropy as Affleck and Garner came together for a meaningful cause.
Volunteering for a Cause: Affleck and Garner Reunite
The 52-year-old actor and Garner, also 52, spent Thanksgiving volunteering at the Midnight Mission in downtown Los Angeles. The former couple joined forces to serve brunch to approximately 2,000 homeless individuals at the annual charity event. Their three children—Violet (18), Seraphina (15), and Samuel (12)—also participated, making it a family affair.
Photographs from the event showed Affleck in good spirits, even sharing a lighthearted moment with Garner as he whispered something in her ear. The pair wore matching aprons, engaging warmly with fellow volunteers and attendees.
Affleck Prioritizes Family During First Thanksgiving Post-Split from Lopez
This Thanksgiving marked a period of adjustment for Affleck following his split from Jennifer Lopez earlier this year. Lopez had filed for divorce in August, coinciding with the second anniversary of their second wedding ceremony.
While Affleck spent the holiday with Garner and their children, Lopez appeared solo at a pre-Thanksgiving brunch with friends. Reports suggest that Affleck took a break from his filming schedule to focus on family time, reconnecting with Garner in the process.
An insider shared with People: “He’s very happy with life. He enjoys working. He’ll spend Thanksgiving with his kids.”
A Complex History of Love and Separation
Affleck and Garner married in 2005 after his initial separation from Lopez. The couple enjoyed a decade-long marriage before announcing their split in 2015. Although their divorce was finalized in 2017, they maintained a strong co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children.
Affleck and Lopez, often referred to as “Bennifer,” rekindled their romance in April 2021, nearly 20 years after they postponed their 2003 wedding due to overwhelming media attention. At the time, the couple issued a statement saying:
“Due to the excessive media attention surrounding our wedding, we have decided to postpone the date…We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families, and our friends.”
Lopez Focuses on Friendship and Independence
Meanwhile, Lopez has been seen navigating life post-split with a focus on herself and her social circle. The singer and actress attended a pre-Thanksgiving brunch with friends, marking a more low-key celebration this holiday season.
Moving Forward: Gratitude and Reflection
This Thanksgiving highlighted Affleck’s dedication to his children and the amicable bond he continues to share with Garner. Despite the complexities of their shared history, the former couple’s ability to come together for their family and community underscores their shared values.
As both Affleck and Lopez chart their respective paths forward, the holiday served as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, family, and giving back.
