We are the luckiest people in history.

Despite the particularly crappy times we have all experienced over the last two years, we continue to be luckier than anyone who ever came before us. Evil insurance companies and mortgage swindlers aside, we have food, water, shelter, and medicine.

This year, in Ethiopia, I met kids who aren't so lucky. They have no clean water and a result are sick or unable to attend school because they have to trek for hours to fetch what is essentially dirty water.

For just $20, we can change each of their lives permanently. That is all it takes to give one kid clean water for 20 years. Not much when you consider the money that we all blow on each other and ourselves during this season.

So, here is my challenge to you:

Think of who will be at your table tonight. (This goes for you too, Jewish friends at Chinese restaurants.) Take a moment to reflect on how much each of those people mean to you. Then, donate $20 below in the name of each of those loved ones. Tonight, when you sit down, tell everyone what you did and talk about what it means to you, and what they mean to you.

I will match the first $2500 of your donations and charity:water tells me our money will be put to work in the field right away starting 12/27.

Happy holidays, everyone. I am so thankful for you.

(Some pictures from my trip to Ethiopia this year: bit.ly/ethiopianfaces)