There are still 23 days left until Christmas.

But it’s easy to get snagged into a spin cycle of holiday anxiety.

And if you’re a retailer, you’re weighed down by an unrelenting pressure to sell, sell, sell.  For many of you, this is the season you believe “makes or breaks” your business.

How about you? Are you feeling the heat? Are you wound tighter than a jack-in-the-box on Christmas morning?

Do me favor.  Do yourself a favor.

Reach out and touch your customers.

I’m not saying that you have to pull a Stuart Smalley.  But I do know that you have a small collection of customers who have done a remarkable bit of business with you over the past year – customers who deserve a little holiday cheer.

Here’s a holiday challenge:

1)  Either you or a staff person should quickly pull up a list of 22 names and phone numbers of your best customers.

3)  Take one name on the list, and make a phone call.

Hi, Mrs. Mayberry. This is Alvin from Golf World.  It’s been a little crazy around here with the holidays, but this morning I just felt like picking up the phone and calling a few of my favorite customers.  It was great getting to know you this year, and I wanted to do more than send an ordinary card.  I just want to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday.  Enjoy, and I hope to see you again soon!

Own the message – add personal details where they fit.  Nine times out of ten, you’re going to get voicemail, which makes this task a simple one.  Those nine people are going to have a pleasant, memorable surprise awaiting them when they get home.

And that tenth person?  Having a pleasant, brief and genuine conversation with them may turn what was a bah-humbug day into a great one.

And in the end, you’re going to have given yourself a 5-minute break to remind yourself what the holidays are really about – reaching out and touching each other in ways that bring us closer.

Can you commit to 5 minutes per day for the next 22 days?

Be sure to let me know if you’re up for the challenge, and how it goes for you.