The holidays - a time for family, comfort and love.

Joy to the world, right?

Here's the reality, though, of Christmas in our world: America spends around $500 billion a year on Christmas gifts. That's more than $600 a person. We also spend another $8 billion on decorating for Christmas.

Isn't there something wrong with this picture?

This Christmas, I'm taking a step back from that world. This Christmas, I want to give more than gifts that fit in boxes.

I want to give people life.

More than a billion people are living without water on our planet. Some walk miles every day to get to the nearest source: a stagnant, parasite-infested stream or pond. They lug it back to their families. They suffer from diarrhea, worms and skin diseases because they can't wash themselves. 45,000 people die each day from waterborne illnesses.

Let's face it, we actually sacrifice very little. But what's small to us can be huge to someone who lacks basic health necessities. Just $20 is enough for one person to have clean water for two decades, for example.

So, this year, I'm giving up my Christmas. I'm asking everyone that would've bought me gifts to instead donate that money to help me build a well. I'm also asking other of you to join me and give up your gifts. 100% of all funds raised go directly to the water projects. And every project is "proved" using GPS technology and photos and put on Google Earth. Together, we'll be able to see the impact we've made.

One billion people, one cause. The least we can do is give one Christmas.

Please join me by donating.