Jennifer Lopez has her sights set on making new memories.
Fresh off her split from estranged husband Ben Affleck, this holiday season the 55-year-old is focusing on her self-care and spending time with her loved ones, including her and ex Marc Anthony’s 16-year-old twins Emme and Max.
“It was a pretty intense year for me, and I'm most looking forward to spending time with my kids and my family coming out from the East Coast,” Lopez told People. “The holidays are such a special time for us, and they've always been since I was a little girl. And I really look forward to those moments when I can be with my sisters and just relax and have fun and create new memories.”
Though the triple threat often has several projects in the works, she said she enjoys using the holiday season to “slow down.”
"We don't get to see each other all year, so we kind of catch up on what everybody's doing and how life is,” she said. “It's just a beautiful time. I really enjoy it.”
In addition to spending time with loved ones, Lopez shared insight into how she gets into the festive spirit—and it involves going all out around the house.
“I love all of the decorations and the hot chocolate and the music and the food,” she shared, “and I'm one of those people who really tries to make it out of a storybook for my kids with all of those things. I'm a sucker for the holidays.”
In the wake of her breakup from Affleck after two years of marriage—she filed for divorce in August but stated the date of separation was back in April according to documents obtained by TMZ—Lopez is prioritizing herself.
“I don't think there's a busier time of the year than the holidays [but] even during a busy holiday season, I try to keep my routine consistent,” she noted. “Once the kids have gone to bed, I'm like, okay, my time. Put my face mask on. Watch The Great British Baking Show or whatever's on.”
While these days, she’s having “quiet evenings” in, Lopez plans to focus on her career as she heads into her next chapter.
“I'm also setting my sights on pushing my boundaries creatively and seeing where that takes me, whether that's through acting or music or producing or expanding JLo Beauty,” she added. “I want to continue challenging myself to evolve and to try new things while all the while being true to who I am and those that I love.”
To look back at Lopez and Affleck's romance, read on.
December 2001: Filming Gigli
The two prepare to film a scene for the movie in West Hollywood. The couple met on the set of the film.
October 2002: Spotted in Beverly Hills
The two are spotted in the city.
November 2002: Filming Gigli and Engagement
The two film the movie on Will Rogers State Beach in Los Angeles. That month, the actor proposes to the actress with a 6.1-carat pink diamond ring.
November 2002: Filming Jersey Girl
The two film the movie in New York City.
November 2002: Leaving MTV's TRL
Is there anything more '00s than both Bennifer 1.0 and TRL?
December 2002: Red Carpet Debut
The two make their red carpet debut as a couple at the premiere of her film Maid in Manhattan.
January 2003: Sundance
The two bundle up at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.
February 2003: Daredevil Premiere
The two appear at the premiere of Daredevil, starring Ben as the superhero.
February 2003: Daredevil Premiere
The two appear at the premiere of Daredevil, starring Ben and future ex-wife Jennifer Garner.
March 2003: Oscars
The two attend the Academy Awards together.
May 2003: Basketball Game
The two sit courtside at a Los Angeles Lakers game.
July 2003: Canada Trip
The two film a Dateline interview for NBC in Vancouver.
July 2003: Gigli Premiere
The two appear at the premiere for their movie in Westwood, Calif.
August 2003: Gigli Is Released
...it flops at the box office.
September 2003: Wedding Is Off
The two postpone their wedding. No future date is given.
October 2003: Baseball Date
The two are seen at a Boston Red Sox game. The team is Ben's favorite.
January 2004: It's Over
The two end their engagement.
September 2021: Red Carpet Royalty
They're baaaack. On Sept. 10, the couple makes their first red carpet appearance in 18 years at the Venice Film Festival premiere of The Last Duel.
September 2021: Look of Love
There's no denying J.Lo makes for a stunning plus-one!
September 2021: Back to the Stage
Ben supports J.Lo at the 2021 Global Citizen Live event in New York City, where she performed onstage. It marked her first music gig since she performed at VAX LIVE in May, where the actor also appeared onstage separately, fueling rumors of a rekindled romance.
September 2021: Met Gala Debut
The two attend the Met Gala together for the first time.
October 2021: PDA at Premiere
Jen and Ben put on a sizzling display on the red carpet at the premiere of his film The Last Duel in New York City.
April 2022: Engaged Again!
Jennifer confirmed her engagement to the Gone Girl actor with a video posted to her On The JLo site, revealing a glimpse of her beautiful engagement ring with a green stone.
July 2022: Married!
On July 16, Jennifer and Ben tied the knot in a surprise ceremony at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.
July 2022: Post-Wedding Trip to Paris
The two vacation with her twins and two of his kids in the French capital soon after their wedding.
June 2023: Red Carpet Fabulous
J.Lo steps out with Ben in support of his movie The Flash.
February 2024: This Is Them...Now
Jennifer release This Is Me... Now, an album about her relationship with Ben. The record is accompanied by a musical film titled This Is Me... Now: A Love Story and the documentary The Greatest Love Story Never Told.
March 2024: Jenny on the Block
The couple enjoys a day out in NYC on March 30, 2024.
August 2024: Divorce
J.Lo filed for divorce Aug. 20, listing the date of separation as Apil 26, according to the filing obtained by TMZ.