In With the New

As 2008 comes to a close, some celebrities choose to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones--while other Hollywood mainstays stick to what they know best. 

Box-office Blitz
Jennifer Aniston must have been on Santa's good list this year.

The Marley & Me star--alongside comedic costar Owen Wilson-- broke December 25 debut records with her new puppy-focused flick. The comedy opened at No. 1 with $14.4 million in ticket sales, despite being panned by critics before its release. But believe it or not, that's so not the point. The real Christmas miracle occurred when Aniston's family film claimed victory over ex Brad Pitt's new drama, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button -- whose reviews have already bestowed Oscar buzz.  The exes' film projects both hit the big-screen on the same day. And though Pitt's movie did gross $11.8 million, this race was hardly one about financial figures. 

This round goes to Aniston.

She Says, He Says
Hopefully, surprise siblings won't be the must-have Christmas present in 2009.

"My father just let my family and [me] know, amongst other [things] that he had another child after my little sister Aliana," the actress posted on her MySpace page on December 24. The infamous party girl continued--"Or maybe he had it before Aliana?? Either way, he cheated on my mother and that really sucks."

But Michael Lohan isn't one to go down without a fight. Not only did the outspoken estranged-father deny the claim, but he went on to slam his daughter's girlfriend, DJ Samantha Ronson, claiming it was she who likely penned the tirade.

But just two days later, the livid dad launched MikeLohanOnline.com-- a personal  website, and posted a blog entry entitled, "To set the record straight." He clarifies his side of the story:

"Let me say that this Web site is NOT about Lindsay or Samantha," Lohan contends. "I have no intention of disclosing any information or feelings I may have about either one of them unless it is in defense of what they or one of their 'mouthpieces' might say about me." In fact, Michael tells the Daily News that he intends for his site to document his own life. Lohan maintained that he would not utilize the site to launch accusations, although he explains "if that includes dispelling some things said of me in the media, so be it."

Mistletoe Marriage?
Rumors flew that Brazilian-born supermodel, Gisele Bundchen, and New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady got engaged this weekend, after TMZ broke the news that the new dad-- who welcomed 16-month old son, John, with former flame Bridget Moynahan-- popped the question on a private jet ride. According to the report, dozens of white roses, champagne, and Bundchen's parents greeted the fiancée-in-flux on the aircraft.

But days later, family and friends are denying the couple is planning a trip down the aisle anytime soon. Tom Brady Sr., the NFL star's father, told the Boston Globe, "We don't know a thing about it. Nobody told me. We talked to him and there's nothing to say. It's rumor, rumor, rumor. It must be a slow news day." Friends echoed Brady's family's statements, telling Us Weekly that the airplane proposal sounded "cheesy" and not Brady's style.

So, there you have it.