re: Which Xbox for Xmas?

This really depends on their age and what they are into. If you ask them what they want (in a roundabout way), what do they tell you? If they're age 4 - 7 they may be indifferent to the new Xbox One. In which case you might be able to save some cash and get them another cheaper game system like a 360 or even a Nintendo 3DS (or 2).

If they're fully aware of what's up in gaming right now, get them the Xbox One. Anything else and they will be disappointed. Getting a kid like that a 360 would be akin to buying someone a VCR after DVD players are becoming the norm.