Remind yourself that your needs haven't changed.  Just because it's the time of year when many go into shopping and socialising overdrive, it doesn't mean that you're any different than you were last week, last month, last year etc.

Know your limitations.  It's OK to say no.  If you really can't face whatever it is you've been told you'll love, then say so. You may have to pile on some tact if they're not people who really know you that well but for friends and family members who should understand you, just out with it!  Your wellbeing comes first.  Every time.

Set your boundaries early on and remember, one or two things that are crucial to you (such as not being able to tolerate a particular food or flashing fairy lights) will be received a lot better than a long list of, "I can't" or "I don't want to".  

Some reciprocal compromise is both inevitable and important.

If there is no way for you to avoid visiting others and/or have them visit you, make them aware beforehand that sometimes, you might need to pop in your headphones.

It’s OK to say ‘no’ and it doesn’t matter what others think of you doing so. Anyone who really ‘gets’ you will understand why you sometimes have to say no and anyone who refuses to, probably isn’t worth having around anyway. That said, it’s hard when you feel like you’re the cause of someone else’s wrath but keep reminding yourself that your wellbeing has to be top priority.

Try and remember that your non autistic partner will want to have fun and enjoy Christmas too. There shouldn't be any assertions of what's right or wrong when we're just each viewing the season through a different lens. Again, a degree of compromise is definitely the key.

If you can, try and spend a little time getting used to the fact that some parts of your routine will be different at this time of year.  This is not so much an issue if you live by yourself but if you live with a partner, it's likely that you will need to prepare for some changes.  It's good to think that your partner can help you manage these.