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J-Lo Reveals Christmas Plans After ‘Intense Year’ Following Ben Affleck Split

Jennifer Lopez might be facing her fourth divorce, but it looks like nothing will dampen her holiday spirit.

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The “Let’s Get Loud” singer, now 55, is all set to embrace Christmas with open arms, despite the looming shadow of her split from actor Ben Affleck.

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After two years of marriage, Lopez, often known for her resilience, recently revealed to *People* how she’s finding peace this holiday season by turning her attention back to family.

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“It was a pretty intense year for me,” Lopez said, reflecting on 2024’s turbulence, “and I’m most looking forward to spending time with my kids and my family coming out from the East Coast.”

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The timing couldn’t be better—she plans to be surrounded by loved ones to create what she calls a “storybook” Christmas.

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“The holidays are such a special time for us,” Lopez said. “And they’ve always been since I was a little girl.

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Lopez’s childhood in the Bronx, New York, was filled with humble, warm family gatherings, a far cry from her current luxurious lifestyle, but it’s those simple traditions she carries with her.

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 Her family, deeply rooted in Puerto Rican traditions, made Christmas an unforgettable event.

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Now, Lopez is recreating that magic for her own kids, aiming to blend her family traditions with the holiday grandeur she’s known for.

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“I really look forward to those moments when I can be with my sisters, just relax, have fun, and create new memories,” she continued.

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This Christmas, however, will mark a fresh start for Lopez, a moment of “slowing down” after two high-profile years with Affleck by her side.

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A chance to “enjoy” life without the spotlight on her relationship, but rather, on what she loves most: her family.

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 But behind her holiday cheer lies a dramatic backstory that fans just can’t ignore.

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Lopez and Affleck’s love story, which started in the early 2000s, captivated fans across the world.

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From Bennifer’s first run in 2002 to their canceled wedding in 2003, the pair was America’s tabloid darling before calling it quits.

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Years passed—both moved on, married others, had children, and built separate careers—until that unexpected 2021 reunion that shocked Hollywood.

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Within months, “Bennifer 2.0” was the talk of every red carpet, from LA to Venice, and soon after, they tied the knot, rekindling a romance fans thought was long buried.

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The fairy-tale seemed real this time: high-profile premieres, glowing interviews, and public displays of affection made them look stronger than ever.

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 But behind the scenes, life was anything but bliss.

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Despite the glamour, Lopez and Affleck struggled to make it work amidst their busy schedules, paparazzi-fueled speculation, and Lopez’s legendary drive, which sometimes clashed with Affleck’s quieter lifestyle.

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In August of this year, on the two-year anniversary of their second wedding, Lopez quietly filed for divorce.

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 She listed April 26 as their date of separation, the final chapter of a reunion that captivated fans worldwide.

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Sources close to the couple hinted at a mismatch in lifestyle.

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Affleck, a devoted father and low-key movie producer, reportedly felt overwhelmed by Lopez’s relentless pursuit of success.

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Meanwhile, Lopez found herself living in a sprawling Beverly Hills mansion that was “way too big for her and filled with too many memories” to bear.

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Despite the heartbreak, Lopez’s resilience is clear as she turns her focus toward her children and the holiday traditions she’s so passionate about.

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“We don’t get to see each other all year,” she said, noting that Christmas allows her family to reconnect, share stories, and cherish what matters most.

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And Lopez, the ultimate “sucker for the holidays,” knows how to make it unforgettable.

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“I love all the decorations, the hot chocolate, the music, and the food,” she shared.

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“I really try to make it out of a storybook for my kids.

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As she dives into her holiday plans, Lopez is also looking forward to 2025, a year she’s declared will be all about “a deeper connection to myself and to God.”

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 After a year of intense challenges, she’s determined to “check in with myself so I can be great for everyone I love.”

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 Lopez has a busy year ahead, juggling film projects, music, her skincare line JLo Beauty, and now, adjusting to single life once more.

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“I want to continue challenging myself to evolve and to try new things while staying true to who I am,” she said.

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The star hasn’t shied away from admitting the toll this year has taken on her.

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 In an interview last month with *Interview* magazine, she confessed her “whole f–king world exploded” following her split from Affleck.

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 The candid revelation marked the first time Lopez had spoken so openly about her latest heartbreak, adding, “I want to be single after my fourth divorce.”

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The roller-coaster romance with Affleck might have come to a close, but her priorities have shifted toward independence, growth, and family.

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“I’m not looking for anybody,” Lopez stated.

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“Everything that I’ve done over the past 25, 30 years, being in these different challenging situations, has made me realize what I can do when it’s just me flying on my own.”

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 And flying solo hasn’t slowed her down; if anything, it’s propelled her forward.

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The two exes continue to share their ties to Hollywood—Affleck praised her performance in *Unstoppable*, a film they shot together before splitting.

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Lopez even attended the movie’s world premiere in September, though Affleck was notably absent.

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Now, as the holiday lights go up, Lopez is shifting her gaze from the past to what lies ahead, determined to keep the focus on family, faith, and the simple joys of the season.

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 For Lopez, this Christmas marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, reminding everyone why she’s not just a superstar but a fighter—ready to face anything that comes her way.

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