PLAINS TWP. — Christmas came to Mohegan Sun Pocono on Sunday, with many area residents electing to leave cooking Christmas dinner up to the chefs at the casino.

Tony Budzichowski, from Havre de Grace, Maryland, was in the area visiting family with his wife, Renee.

The couple joined Renee’s sister, Robin Carelli, of Sugarloaf, at Rustic Kitchen for their holiday meal.

“Christmas is all about being with family, wherever you’re at,” said Budzichowski, whose drive north lasted about three hours.

Budzichowski credited wait staff at the restaurant for being courteous and efficient.

“Especially during the holiday,” he said. “We especially appreciate their good attitude and kindness.”

Patti Poulin, of Old Forge, said she and her boyfriend had celebrated with family the night before.

“It was more like Thanksgiving than Christmas Eve,” she said. “We all took time to go around and say what we were thankful for.”

Following Christmas breakfast, Poulin said the two headed up to the casino for dinner and gambling “just for fun.”

“Before I left, I called my daughter and she said she had several screwdrivers in front of her, trying to put toys together,” she said. “So, I left her to that.”

And although the two did hit the gambling floor for a bit, they didn’t come out ahead.

“It didn’t matter,” she said. “We were just here to have a good time.”

Holly Lemanski, of Mountain Top, also was at the casino with her family for dinner.

Still, she couldn’t help noticing a “75 percent off,” sign in front of Marshall Rousso, a women’s clothing and accessories store.

“We’re almost on our way home,” she said. “But I just had to come in and look around.”

Lemanski said the day was enjoyable and that the casino wasn’t too crowded.

Lynn Lavin, manager at Marshall Rousso for about four years, said she was surprised at how many people came out on Christmas for something to eat in addition to gambling.

“You could tell it’s Christmas, though,” she said. “Almost everybody is dressed up and acts just a little bit differently.”

Holly Lemanski, Mountain Top, right, get assistance from Marshall Rousso manager Liz Lavin, of Pocono Lake, while shopping inside Mohegan Sun Pocono casino on Sunday.

Renee and Tony Budzichowski stop at the casino for a bite to eat with Renee’s sister, Robin Carelli (not shown). The Budzichowskis are visiting from Maryland.

Patti Poulin, of Old Forge, and her boyfriend, Tony Marano, decided to go to Mohegan Sun Pocono on Christmas night after spending the day with family.

Holly Lemanski, Mountain Top, right, get assistance from Marshall Rousso manager Liz Lavin, of Pocono Lake, while shopping inside Mohegan Sun Pocono casino on Sunday.

Renee and Tony Budzichowski stop at the casino for a bite to eat with Renee’s sister, Robin Carelli (not shown). The Budzichowskis are visiting from Maryland.

Patti Poulin, of Old Forge, and her boyfriend, Tony Marano, decided to go to Mohegan Sun Pocono on Christmas night after spending the day with family.

Folks from near and farrelax at Mohegan SunPocono on the holiday