Keep your mom close and your mother-in-law closer! Jennifer Garner does right by her kids, maintaining her relationship with ex Ben Affleck's mom Christine ... and why wouldn't she? She didn't divorce his parents!

The Peppermint actress did some early holiday shopping with Chris and daughter Violet at the Brentwood Country Mart Friday and despite the 80-degree weather, Angelenos are already in the holiday spirit! The Mart is decked out in Christmas decorations and the festivities have begun! Wonder how Ben and Jen will spend Christmas -- will they celebrate together with the kids?