The Loui Family Holiday Newsletter Tradition

For at least 28 years (1994-2021), the Loui family maintained the cherished tradition of sending annual holiday newsletters and photo cards to friends and family. This collection represents one of the most comprehensive documentary records of the family’s life and evolution.

The Format

Each year’s mailing typically included:

1. A professional family photo card - Often featuring the entire family in coordinated outfits or vacation settings
2. A detailed newsletter - Multi-page letters (usually 2-3 pages) chronicling the year’s events, written in an engaging, humorous style
3. Additional photos - Some years included extra family photos or vacation snapshots

Writing Style

The newsletters were written with warmth, humor, and candid detail. They didn’t shy away from discussing challenges (like Warren’s knee surgery or COVID-19 pandemic impacts) while celebrating successes and adventures.

Key characteristics:

• Personal and conversational tone
• Detailed travel descriptions
• Individual updates on each family member
• Self-deprecating humor
• Cultural references and current events

Evolution Over Time

Early Years (1994-2000s)

• Focus on young children (Nick and Ryan)
• Family activities and parenting milestones
• Professional achievements of Warren and Rose

Middle Years (2000s-2010s)

• Children growing into teenagers and young adults
• College years and early careers
• Expansion of family business ventures
• Introduction of partners

Recent Years (2015-2021)

• Adult children and their significant others integrated into family narrative
• Multi-generational family travel
• Detailed wine business updates (Cardinal Rule Wines)
• Rose’s nonprofit leadership (East West Players)
• Warren’s professional and civic involvement
• COVID-19 pandemic impacts (2020-2021)

Notable Third Child

Interestingly, the 1994 card lists only Warren, Rose, Nicholas, and Ryan. Samantha (Sammy) appears in later newsletters, suggesting she was born after 1994. The newsletters would document her arrival and growth as well.

Documentary Value

This tradition created an invaluable historical record that captures:

• The evolution of a modern American family
• Social and cultural changes from 1994-2021
• Professional and personal milestones
• Travel patterns and leisure activities
• Interpersonal relationships and family dynamics
• Historical events as experienced by one family (especially the COVID-19 pandemic)

The Collection

The complete collection is preserved in Holiday-Card-Collection-1994-2021 with approximately 113 images spanning the full 28-year period.

Reflection

Unlike brief social media posts or scattered photos, these annual newsletters represent thoughtful, curated family history. The commitment to this tradition for nearly three decades demonstrates the family’s value of connection, communication, and preserving their story for future generations.

The collection now serves as a rich primary source for understanding the Loui family’s journey through the late 20th and early 21st centuries - a time capsule created one holiday season at a time.