Merry Christmas, Everyone!
In line with Lalwende, also keep in mind the symbolism of moving from winter to spring. When they Fellowship left in the dead of the year (i.e. near the solstice) Middle-earth itself was in great danger and near annihilation by the plans of Sauron as well as Saruman. In the Spring, when the ring is destroyed, it is a rebirth in a way. The new beginnings of Spring go along with a new beginning in the Fourth Age, a time now free from Sauron.
Just my thoughts.
And Tolkien may just have randomly picked December 25 because it gave the Fellowship more time to prepare and the scouts to return. Since Yule was not an observance of the Elves, to them it was just another day. Although I have to admit it is their loss. Life without Christmas is just not a fun idea.
