WICHITA, Kan, (KSNW) — Christmas Day is known as a time where people have dinner at home. But, not every tradition is as conventional as a home-cooked meal with family. Today is the busiest day of the year for Shanghai Buffet in South Wichita. Lines are out the door and the waiting area is packed shoulder-to-shoulder. Restaurant owner Susan Chang says cooking hot meals on Christmas Day is a family tradition stretching back nearly 30 years. "If people burn a turkey I can help, right?" Chang said. Whether behind the register or in front of it, Shanghai Buffet's doors are always open. Something the restaurant's regular customers take full advantage of. "We came in here last year with 18 people, they got us in; this year we came in with two people, they got us right in," David Burnett, a frequent customer said. It's all-hands-on-deck for the entire Chang family. "That's what we do. Like, 'What do you do on Christmas?' We work," Raymond said. "My parents are here, my wife would be here, my uncle's in the back, my cousin's waiting tables so it's just like we were at home." The Chang family tradition is also catching on with another customer, Ricky Henderson. He's back for his second Christmas at Shanghai Buffet. "[Last year] we opened up the turkey and the turkey was spoiled, so [my wife] couldn't figure out, 'what are we going to do for dinner?'" Henderson said. "[This year] my wife wanted to spend some time with the grandkids so half the time when she cooks, she don't have time to spend with the grandkids." The restaurant's consistent service creates a relationship with its customers. Staff and regulars alike have forged traditions together. "We really love it and we wouldn't be where we are without our great customers. They are what makes us successful." Raymond said. Those traditions help leave Shanghai Buffet with a legacy of service and family. "I'm going to pass ... all this to my son and my family," Susan said. Both mother and son say they are always grateful for the business, even after their voices and feet are sore. Raymond described the experience of getting home from the Christmas shift as one of relief and gratitude.