New Canaan Family Blends Holiday Traditions

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Decorate a Christmas tree or light the menorah? Though most people will take part in only one of these holiday traditions, Jaden Konspore is happy to do both.

The Konspore family practices both Catholicism and Judaism, meaning they will celebrate Christmas next Sunday and observe Hanukkah, the eight-day festival of lights that begins at sundown Tuesday. Matt Konspore, 42, grew up Jewish. His wife, Lisa, was raised Catholic in an Italian household.

The decision was easy for the Konspores. All three of their children - Jaden, 9, Trevor, 12, and Gabriella, 3 – enjoy being a multiholiday family. Their Putnam Road home is aglow with the symbols of both traditions.

Matt Konspore was familiar with celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas. He recognized both holidays while growing up in Stamford and Norwalk: He had a Jewish father and a Greek Catholic stepmother.

“We thought that the children should learn both faiths,” Matt Konspore said. “We made the decision before (Trevor) was born. We knew we were doing this. The kids have been baptized and had confirmation.”

Lisa Konspore said celebrating both is “different.” She didn’t know much about Jewish holidays until she met her husband, though she had a Jewish friend who educated her a little when she was growing up. “I learned from him about the holidays,” she said. But it’s been fun for all of them.

Usually, Hanukkah and Christmas are separated by a few weeks. But this year, the Jewish festival will happen during Christmas. “It’s actually easier when they’re both together,” Matt said. “It works out well.” They will have their true fun day on Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day will be a time to relax and hang out in their pajamas.  

The Konspore kids liked the idea of singing Christmas songs and playing with a dreidel. “You get to go to church and to temple, and I like going to temple because I get to wear a yarmulke,” Jaden said.

They also enjoy getting gifts for both holidays. “It’s going to be lots of fun, and Santa comes and he brings us lots of presents,” said Gabriella, who played with a Christmas –themed Mickey Mouse jack-in-the-box. This year, though, the bulk of the gift giving will be done Christmas Day.

“We don’t do the eight days of giving,” Lisa said. “That could be a bit much.”

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