I'm guessing you're getting a vague answer on release dates because they don't really know when NCEES will send you the email.
The fact they are saying "before Christmas" most likely means they do have the results and are probably in the process of assigning license numbers to those who passed...
When I took it last year, LAPELS does craft an email (if you passed) congratulating you and letting you know your license number and next steps (ordering seals and whatnot). That does come about a couple weeks after results are published on NCEES.
Check with your state board to see if your PE references have to be chemical? You might be able to use a mechanical or other discipline as a reference. The key, I think, is that the references are there to comment/praise your work ethic. That's how your state board helps to gauge if your...