The day after Halloween, the Christmas season began. It will not end until January (decorations and store returns linger for days after the actual event). And since retailers are constantly trying to skip Halloween altogether and start the buy-friendly holiday as early as September, the Gap has moved ahead with their ad campaign. In the ads, potential customers will see a smiling, red-swathed Jennifer Hudson spreading her holiday spirit. For some viewers, it feels at odds with Hudson’s tragic personal tragedy.

Could the Gap really be this tacky?

Never worry, holiday shoppers, this mega retailer would never step into a potential PR landmine without covering all the bases. A rep for the chain has confirmed that Jennifer Hudson herself approved the use of her image, even at this upsetting time.

“She said she wanted to be a part of it and that we should move forward,” said Gap spokesperson Olive Doyne, who added that Hudson was given the option of backing out of the campaign completely. The Oscar-winning actress was photographed for the spots last July.

You can see her, part of the “Shine Your Own Star” campaign, smiling from magazines, newspapers and billboards throughout this shopping season. Several other stars are also part of the campaign.