Here’s how the program works:

1. Each person who signs up for the program will receive the name and address of another person who has also signed up.

2. As soon as possible, prepare a package with at least 5 chips or jetons and mail it to the person whose name you received. You can send more than 5 chips/jetons in your package if you want to have even more of that “Santa” feeling. You may also include other casino collectibles as extras. Chips can be any denomination from any location. As a consideration to your recipient, I would suggest you don’t include any fantasy chips, personal chips or any duplicates in the first 5 chips. If you want to throw in a duplicate, a personal or fantasy chip as an extra, that’s perfectly fine.

3. Watch your mailbox for a package that will be mailed from another person who signed up. Sip some eggnog while you wait.

4. Since I’m the only person who will know who is matched up with who, you may remain anonymous if you want to. If you mail your package without a return address, please make sure there is sufficient postage so it doesn’t end up in a dead-letter bin somewhere. (I’m not sure if you can leave off the return address when shipping internationally, though)

5. Collectors who wish to participate should send me an e-mail containing their shipping address to cottonchipper@gmail.com There is no need to post a response to this message.

6. As soon as I have enough names to match up, I’ll start e-mailing addresses to players. I realize we’re getting a late start on this, so I’d like to get things rolling quickly. I’ll announce a cut-off time on the board in a few days.

7. This program is open to all Chip Board readers, but DO NOT SIGN UP UNLESS YOU INTEND TO FOLLOW THROUGH AND SEND OUT A PACKAGE. Remember, I’ll have the name of all deadbeat players and CHRISTMAS KARMA will catch up with you.

8. Collectors outside the U.S. are welcome to participate, and all players should be prepared to send chips internationally if they get a name and address in a foreign country.