when along came a semi with a high and canvas-covered load

I'm asking for a guitar for Christmas, because I've gone long enough without knowing how to play one.  I took a class in college, but it was at 7:30 AM, so . . .

So I am now tasked with finding my own Christmas present, because I want to make sure it's the right one.  It's sort of like adopting--if not a child, then maybe a puppy or something.  You can't just be picking up any old thing and thinking it's going to be fine.  But I know nothing about guitars, so the learning/winnowing process is very difficult.  I have spent almost as much money on gas driving around to music stores and pawn shops as I am going to end up spending on the guitar itself. 

Do any of you guys play the guitar?  Do you have a favorite brand or model or style?  I'm wanting a steel-string acoustic.