Jennifer Garner Enjoys Post-Thanksgiving Relaxation
Fresh from her Thanksgiving celebrations with former husband Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner was spotted enjoying a leisurely stroll in Los Angeles. The 53-year-old actress, who had earlier spent part of the holiday serving meals to homeless individuals on Skid Row, took advantage of the pleasant weather for this casual outing with a friend.
This relaxing excursion came shortly after Affleck was seen driving to Garner's residence with their 13-year-old son Samuel and a woman believed to be his mother, Chris Boldt. The timing suggests the former couple continue to maintain their amicable co-parenting relationship years after their divorce.
A Comfortable and Casual Outfit
The 13 Going On 30 star opted for practical yet stylish fitness wear during her walk. Her ensemble included a short-sleeved black shirt paired with dark blue leggings, completing the look with white trainers and a grey sweatshirt tied around her waist.
Garner wore her brunette hair pulled back in a simple ponytail with a cap perched on her head. She finished her outfit with fashionable sunglasses and appeared engaged in cheerful conversation throughout the walk with her companion.
Thanksgiving Family Traditions
According to sources speaking with People magazine, Garner hosted Thanksgiving at her home, continuing a tradition from previous years. Ben Affleck and his mother joined the celebration, with one insider noting that "Jen makes it very special. She's such a great chef. She loves having her whole family together too. Ben's always welcome at her house."
The former couple, who were married from 2005 until their divorce was finalised in 2018, share three children: Violet, 19, Fin, 16, and Samuel, 13. Despite their separation, both have consistently prioritised maintaining a healthy family dynamic for their children's benefit.
An insider revealed that Garner and Affleck "get along and really support each other" following their divorce, with the actor reportedly "doing well and staying focused on work, his health and his kids."
Giving Back to the Community
Before the family gathering, Garner demonstrated her commitment to charitable work by volunteering at The Midnight Mission's annual charity lunch on Skid Row in Los Angeles. Photographs captured the actress smiling as she served potatoes to those in need.
This marks the second consecutive year Garner has volunteered at the shelter during Thanksgiving. In 2023, Affleck and their children joined her in this charitable endeavour, highlighting their shared values regarding community service.
Affleck's Reflections on Co-parenting
In October, Affleck made rare public comments about his co-parenting relationship with Garner during an interview with Access Hollywood. He expressed immense pride in their children, stating, "I could not be more proud of my children. I can't even tell you" before noting that his eldest daughter Violet "takes after her mom."
The actor described himself as "very lucky" to have "a great partner" in Garner, adding that their co-parenting arrangement "makes me happy every day." During a March interview with GQ, Affleck had similarly praised their working relationship, saying, "I'm really lucky that I have a really good co-parent and partner in Jennifer Garner."
Sources close to the pair have emphasised that their bond remains strong despite their separation. "Even though Ben and Jen have been split for a while now, he feels a certain level of comfort with her," one insider explained, adding that Affleck "can just be himself" around his former wife.
The source further noted that the former couple have spent multiple Thanksgiving holidays together since their separation, confirming that "they'll always be close because they share children together and maintain a friendly co-parenting relationship."
Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez, whose divorce from Affleck was finalised in January, shared glimpses of her own Thanksgiving celebrations on Instagram. The singer posted photographs of herself baking desserts with her 17-year-old child Emme in the Bel Air mansion she previously shared with Affleck.
