As the third generation of the Andria family, I have come to cherish the traditions that have shaped my life, my family, and our community. Growing up, Christmas was nothing short of magical in our household. Every Christmas Eve we would gather as a family to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. The glow of the television, the laughter, and the quiet moments of reflection became more than just an annual ritual; it was a reminder of the joy in small and shared moments.
The next stop on Christmas Eve was always Grandpa Sam and Grandma Mugg’s Andria’s, where they opened their house to loyal restaurant patrons and family. Their cabin was filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable sense of community. On Christmas morning we had another beloved tradition—ringing a bell to signify Santa’s arrival. This was not just for fun, but it marked the beginning of our Christmas celebration. We would gather around the tree, open presents, and feel the warmth of family togetherness.
These traditions were not just about us. They became part of the fabric of the restaurant itself. Over the years, other families, institutions, and respected companies such as, the Becker Hoerner Ysura Law Firm, have made their own traditions here. The firm has hosted their annual holiday gathering at our restaurant for around 30 years. The Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 have celebrated with us for 15 years, and the Ainad Shriner’s Belleville holiday party has brought joy for about 12 years.
Other longstanding traditions include Collinsville Municipal Supply’s 10-year run and the City of Fairview Heights’ 30-year celebration with us. Each event reinforces the idea that traditions, whether personal or shared, create lasting bonds. I am forever grateful for the friendships, loyalty, and support given by our community members and organizations.
As I grew older and started a family of my own, I found myself carrying forward many of these cherished traditions. It’s a Wonderful Life still graces our screens every Christmas Eve, and the bell still rings—a symbol of continuity and joy. My children delight in these moments just as I did, and I find new meaning in watching them experience the same magic that shaped my childhood. Grandpa Sam and Grandma Mugg’s cabin is now filled with another style of Christmas magic and family laughter—a sound I am certain they still hear with joy from afar.
The restaurant continues to play a pivotal role. Every year, the weekend after Thanksgiving, our family comes together to decorate Andria’s Steakhouse. This year, for the first time, we have decided to extend the timeframe our decorations stay up, allowing more guests to soak in the festive atmosphere. It is our way of spreading joy a little longer, a reflection of how deeply these traditions matter to us and our community.
Family traditions are more than just routines, they are a way of grounding ourselves in something bigger. They remind us of where we come from, connect us to others, and give us something to pass down to future generations. Whether it is a steak dinner, family movie night, a community gathering, or simply the act of decorating for the holidays, these moments weave a tapestry of love and togetherness.
As we close another year and look forward to the next, I am filled with gratitude for the traditions that bind us. They have not only enriched my family’s life but have become part of the lives of countless others. To everyone who has shared these traditions with us at Andria’s Steakhouse, thank you for making us part of your story too. Here’s to many more years of steak dinners, It’s a Wonderful Life, ringing bells, decorating trees, and creating memories together.
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