Brad Pitt Had ‘One of the Best Birthdays’ Celebrating With ‘Some of His Kids’: ‘He’s Grateful’

He’s living it up! Brad Pitt had a “very low-key” birthday celebration “at home with some of his kids,” a source told In Touch exclusively. The actor, who turned 56 on Wednesday, December 18, “wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

“He was beaming with pride and gratitude,” the insider added. “After a long, drawn out divorce and custody battle from Angelina [Jolie], he’s grateful that they’re moving forward and coparenting better than ever.”

The handsome hunk — who shares Maddox, 18, Pax, 16, Zahara, 14, Shiloh, 13, and twins Vivienne and Knox, both 11, with the 44-year-old actress — seems to be in a better place these days. “It’s been a tough couple of years for him with the divorce and custody, but that seems to have all settled,” the insider continued. “He’s at peace, and he’s happy. Life is good for Brad right now. It’s probably one of the best birthdays and holidays that he’s had in a long time.”

On December 17, the Fight Club alum attended an event in Los Angeles with his Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood costars — Leonardo DiCaprio and Margaret Qualley — where Brad looked “relaxed” and “laid back” while he was on stage, an eyewitness told In Touch exclusively. “He seemed very passionate about the film and had very kind words to say about working with Quentin [Tarantino]. He was in good spirits and snuck in a couple of sarcastic jokes throughout the Q&A, making the audience laugh.”

Could Brad’s chipper mood be due to seeing his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, 50, at her Christmas party a few days prior? Perhaps! The former flames “clearly made amends” following their divorce in 2005, a second source revealed. “They’re obviously on friendly terms, and the more that time passes, the closer they seem to be getting.”

Apparently, the Friends alum “even texted” her ex “to wish him a happy birthday,” the first insider added. “So did some of their mutual friends who he reconnected with at Jen’s holiday party.”

Even though the Oklahoma native just spent time with his kiddos, he is still looking forward to some more family activities during the holidays. “It looks like Brad and Angie are finally setting aside their baggage so that some of the kids can spend Christmas time with dad,” a third source divulged. “Brad’s getting Shiloh and twins, Knox and Vivienne, for part of the holiday.”

Finally, Brad and the Maleficent actress — who split in September 2016 after two years of marriage — seem to be on the same page. “Brad’s been very patient, he’ll take whatever he can get,” the insider said. “The younger kids are so grown up already. Christmas Eve with them will be an amazing test, and he’s hoping they go back to their mom with some great memories. And the other good news is that it won’t be monitored by the courts, so just Brad and the kids, just like the good old days.”

The producer is taking Christmas very seriously, too. “He’s decorated the house with a tree, snowmen and reindeer, lights and presents [all] wrapped and ready for them to open,” the insider revealed. “He’s planned a tasty menu with some of Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne’s favorite foods. Everything from pizza to Pop-Tarts — with some healthy items too, that they’ll probably avoid.”

Kick up your feet and relax, Brad! You certainly deserve it.