Jennifer Garner certainly has plenty to celebrate this holiday season, and she's doing it in style -- rocking a festive Santa hat amid rumors that she's 'closer than ever' with ex Ben Affleck following his split from Jennifer Lopez.
The Alias alum, 52, who was filming just a few miles away from Ben the day before, looked every bit the picture of holiday cheer as she ran errands in Brentwood on Thursday.
Flashing her signature megawatt smile, Jennifer stocked up on an assortment of cookies -- presumably for her and Ben's three kids, Violet, 18, Finn, 15, and Samuel, 11 -- while gracefully navigating the parking lot.
This shopping spree came less than 24 hours after Garner was seen working on her Apple TV+ series The Last Thing He Told Me, while Affleck, 52, filmed the Netflix project RIP on a different set in LA.
Garner is returning as Hannah Hall for a second season of her show based on the novel of the same name by Laura Dave.
Meanwhile, fresh reports now suggest that Jen and Ben have built a 'mutual respect' and developed a 'deeper level of friendship' that wasn't there before.
A source recently shared with InTouch that the exes are now 'closer than ever.'
'It has some friends asking if they could be on their way to getting back together,' the insider shared with the site.
The insider continued of the exes, 'They have a history and a deep love for each other. They like spending time together and light up when they see each other', adding, 'Let's just say that Ben and Jen are in a very good place.'
The source added that Affleck has been leaning on his ex-wife amid his divorce from Lopez because 'he loves being looked after.'
'She's very concerned about his health, to the point where she reminds him when he needs to see the doctor and the dentist and even sends him vitamins to take because she's convinced he doesn’t get enough healthy food when she’s not cooking for him,' the insider shared with the outlet.
It comes after a source told Page Six that Ben was overjoyed to spend the holiday with his family as he feels as if he can 'just be himself' around Jennifer and their children.
The insider added: 'Even though Ben and Jen have been split for a while now, he feels a certain level of comfort with her.'
'Ben has a strong relationship with Jen that will never dissipate because they have a lot of history together and she's the mother of his kids.'
Flashing her signature megawatt smile, Jennifer stocked up on an assortment of cookies -- presumably for her and Ben's three kids, Violet, 18, Finn, 15, and Samuel, 11 -- while gracefully navigating the parking lot.
Meanwhile, fresh reports now suggest that Jen and Ben have built a 'mutual respect' and developed a 'deeper level of friendship' that wasn't there before; seen in 2012
The source said that while 'some men would find it annoying,' Affleck likes that his ex takes care of him.
'He loves being looked after by her,' the source continued. 'He goes to her whenever he has a big career or life decision to make for her advice.'
Affleck and Garner were married from 2005 to 2018. They share children Violet, 18; Finn, 15; and Samuel, 12.
On Thanksgiving, the former couple reunited to volunteer with Midnight Mission.
Along with their kids, the stars teamed up to help feed 2,000 homeless and near-homeless people in downtown Los Angeles during the non-profit organization's annual Thanksgiving brunch.
As they lent a helping hand, the two-time Oscar winner and actress could be seen whispering to one another and wearing matching aprons.
They both appeared in high spirits as they served their community with a smile.
An eyewitness told DailyMail.com that they spent three hours there.
Affleck's sighting comes one day after DailyMail.com reported that he would be spending the holiday with Garner, their three children and her boyfriend John Miller.
'Ben and Jen are looking forward to today and Ben is anticipating a relaxing day full of food and football before he has to get back to work on the film,' a source told DailyMail.com exclusively.
'Thanksgiving is all about being drama free when it comes to Ben, it is going to be low key, only good vibes and Jen is on board to make today as easy as possible.'
A second insider said he was adamant that nothing would get in the way of the 'meaningful holiday' which was celebrated at Garner's house with Miller, whom she has been dating on-and-off since 2018.
Garner recently revealed her festive holiday plans with her family.
Garner told People she'll be taking her kids to see The Nutcracker.
The star called the play a 'huge' Christmas tradition for her and the kids.
'We'll definitely go see The Nutcracker, because that is a huge part of Christmas for me and for my kids -- thank goodness I've drilled it into them -- and just being together with family,' she said.
And the children also contribute their own 'specialty' dishes for Thanksgiving.
'I have one kid who specializes in mashed potatoes; that’s their specialty; I have one kid who is all about making an apple pie; that’s their specialty; and then I have one who goodness only knows what she will make,' she said.
Meanwhile Lopez is ready to 'start the new year fresh' following her 'rough' split from Ben.
The On The Floor songstress notably filed for divorce from the Oscar winner back in August on their second wedding anniversary.
Lopez is reportedly ready to 'start the new year fresh' following her 'rough' split from Ben;
A source told People in an article published on Friday that the actress is aiming to put the end of her marriage behind her and move forward in 2025.
The insider explained that Lopez is 'focused on her own life' and added, 'She has had a rough year but is doing well. She's ready for Christmas and to start the new year fresh.'
Jennifer - who is mother to twins Max and Emme, 16 - has been 'house-hunting for her and the kids' and 'would like to find another home for them.'
Her $68 million Beverly Hills mansion that she had bought with Affleck is currently still on the market after initially being listed in July.