Throwback to When Jennifer Aniston’s Christmas Ornament Put Her in All Sorts of Trouble

You know how sometimes you’re just minding your own business, trying to get into the holiday spirit, when boom—one little mistake snowballs into a full-on drama? Well, that was Jennifer Aniston’s Christmas a few years ago. 

While there are some FRIENDS fans who are still debating what actions were justifiable when Rachel and Ross ‘were on a break’, Aniston once caught their eyes for all the wrong reasons. The Sherman Oaks-born actress, now 55, has been a part of quite a few controversies in her career, but a particular one would be remembered as being hit by a flying arrow. 

Jennifer Aniston in FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

At the peak of the pandemic, when people were just looking for a shred of joy in a very bleak world, Aniston decided to share a festive moment with her fans. But what she didn’t know was that a Christmas ornament could be a ticking time bomb. Four years ago, the world was facing a grim fate, when the coronavirus pandemic struck and led to a massive loss of lives and livelihoods.

Confined to their houses with many families barely getting by, the festive season of Christmas was supposed to change the mood just enough to lighten the situation. Aniston, much like the rest of the celebs, was sure to join in, but she did not know that an innocent Instagram post would sour the festive mood, not just for her but also for millions of people following her.

What Was Jennifer Aniston’s Controversial Christmas Post?

Jennifer Aniston in FRIENDS | Credits: NBC

The time was ripe for Santa to jingle all the way to our homes for the Merry melody of Christmas. The world craved a much-needed distraction, and everyone looking for a way to enjoy the festival amidst everything awful that was going on towards the end of 2020. Everyone was doing their best to improvise; instead of going out, and having a safe and warm Christmas with their families.

Murder Mystery star Jennifer Aniston too wanted to keep the Christmas spirits up. But her improv probably wasn’t well thought out. Aniston sparked significant controversy during the 2020 Christmas season. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, she adorned her Christmas tree with an ornament referencing the ongoing crisis and the subsequent lockdown.

On Christmas Day of 2020, she posted a picture of a wooden ornament inscribed with “Our First Pandemic 2020” on her Instagram Stories (via Pop Culture). However, the post was met with criticism as numerous followers criticized the actress for her selection of holiday decor.

The Controversial Christmas ornament | jenniferaniston via Instagram

Aniston received severe backlash from a horde of fans who were already weary from being locked down in their homes for several months. Many pointed out that spending a lockdown together is nothing to celebrate, while others joked that Aniston was already looking forward to a second pandemic. However, there were also some fans who defended the actress, saying she was merely acknowledging what had happened and making it through.

Throughout the pandemic, Aniston actively promoted wearing a mask and urged her numerous followers to support small businesses to assist them in remaining operational. She and her reps did not respond to the online vitriol and chose to remain silent.

The COVID-19 Effect On the Film Industry

Jennifer Aniston in The Break-Up | Credits: Universal Pictures

Prior to COVID, the film industry was thriving globally, generating an impressive $100 billion in 2019, just before the pandemic struck. However, as lockdowns commenced, a new era of entertainment arose. The industry faced massive disruptions: cinemas closed, release dates were delayed or scrapped, and production stopped, rendering countless workers unemployed.

In 2019, the film industry was already witnessing a significant transformation. Netflix had demonstrated the overwhelming power of streaming, prompting major media companies to follow in its footsteps. As soon as Disney’s streaming distribution agreement with Netflix concluded in 2019 (via Looper), the media giant swiftly launched its own service, Disney+, in November of that year.

HBO Max, Peacock, and Apple TV+ were quick to follow. With cinemas shut and people homebound, audiences turned to streaming services for entertainment, discovering new favorites on Netflix or revisiting beloved classics on Disney+.

The rise of streaming services came at the expense of movie theaters, which saw a staggering 80% drop in box office sales in 2020. This dramatic decline was fueled by COVID-related delays and cancellations, along with studios opting to skip theaters altogether in favor of streaming platforms. The pandemic not only made cinema outings feel like a hassle but turned the once-popular theater experience into a health gamble.

By the time the dust settled, theatrical releases had plummeted to just 387 in 2021, a sharp contrast to the 987 films that hit theaters in 2019. The industry is still licking its wounds, struggling through a long and bumpy road to recovery.

Another Case of Jennifer Aniston’s Accidental Controversy

Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston in The Break-Up | Credits: Universal Pictures

While the Christmas controversy around Jennifer Aniston’s pandemic ornament was certainly uncalled for, this is not the first time she was at the short end of the stick. Back in 2023, Aniston was under fire for apparently liking a post by Jamie Foxx, which ignited criticism for apparent antisemitism.

Unfortunately for Aniston, she found herself caught between a rock and a hard place, as the backlash left her to explain her actions in a situation that spiraled out of control. Foxx faced accusations of antisemitism from a Jewish media organization after sharing a post perceived to be about the Jewish community. He then removed the post and issued an apology (via BI). The post read:

The post by Foxx drew the attention of the Jewish news outlet A Wider Frame, which then shared a screenshot of the post, accusing Foxx of disseminating a “horrifically antisemitic” message. Following the backlash, Foxx removed his post and offered an apology. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 star wrote in an Instagram post:

Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler in Just Go With It | Credits: Columbia Pictures

Foxx made it clear that he harbored no ill will toward anyone and that his support for the Jewish community remained unwavering. He extended an olive branch to those who might have been offended by the misunderstanding, offering a heartfelt apology. 

Essentially, he was trying to set the record straight, insisting that his words had been taken out of context and were never meant to cause harm or offense.

Initially, it seemed Aniston had ‘liked’ Foxx’s post, only to later deny it. This sparked a social media debate on cultural context and white privilege. Subsequently, the Marley & Me actress posted an Instagram Story condemning antisemitism. Aniston wrote:

Aniston’s reply to antisemitic allegations| jenniferaniston via Instagram

She put her foot down and made it crystal clear that she did not like the post, either on “purpose or by accident”. She also went out of her way to reassure her friends and anyone hurt by the incident that she stood firmly against antisemitism and hate in any shape or form. 

Her message was loud and clear: she was setting the record straight, drawing a line in the sand. She wanted everyone to know that she wouldn’t tolerate hate of any kind, no exceptions.

Aniston’s firm denial of any involvement in the controversy led some fans to accuse her of throwing Jamie Foxx under the bus. She made it clear she wasn’t taking the blame for the situation, but her refusal to take responsibility left some questioning where her loyalties lay. After the backlash, neither Aniston nor Foxx’s representatives issued any follow-up statements, leaving the public in the dark about their next move.

Jennifer Aniston’s Holiday Paw-ty: Where the Dogs Get Treated Like Royalty

Reese Witherspoon with Jennifer Aniston on FRIENDS | Credits: Warner Bros.

When it comes to pampering, Jennifer Aniston is no slouch—and this time, her lucky furry companions are getting the royal treatment. While some folks might find it a bit over the top, she has made it clear that her three dogs, Sophie, Clyde, and Lord Chesterfield, are her pride and joy. In fact, the 55-year-old actress is pulling out all the stops to make sure her four-legged friends feel just as special as the guests at her annual holiday bash.

According to an inside source (Life & Style Magazine):

And she’s not stopping there. This holiday season, Aniston plans to have her personal chef whip up a dog-friendly Christmas dinner to ensure her pups are part of the festivities—after all, what’s a holiday celebration without a special treat for the ones you love most?

Clyde’s big night out with Jimmy Kimmel | Credit: Instagram @jenniferaniston

But that’s not all. She is going all out this year, transforming her holiday gathering into a dog-friendly extravaganza. 

Her dogs are so beloved that her dedication to them goes far beyond a single Christmas celebration. In fact, the Morning Show star has admitted that she’d rather spend quiet nights at home with her pets than go out to fancy dinners. 

And if you think this love for her dogs is just a passing phase, think again. Her bond with her pets runs so deep that, according to another source, she’s even explored the possibility of cloning them. 

Not only does Aniston go above and beyond for her own dogs, but she’s also been using her platform to help other animals in need. Through her charity, The Clydeo Fund, she provides financial assistance for animals in shelters. She’s even written a children’s book, Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life, which is inspired by her beloved pup Clyde. 

As Aniston continues to go above and beyond for her beloved dogs, one thing is clear—her furry companions are not just pets; they’re family. And this holiday season, they’re going to be treated like the VIPs they truly are. Whether it’s a dog-friendly Christmas dinner or a special holiday paw-ty, Jennifer Aniston is proving that when it comes to her dogs, she’s the ultimate pet mom.