Tricks of the Trade

Real life happens around us while we play in the imaginary ones we create. How do you keep yourself in the writing zone and out of the ruts? Are there tricks to staying focused, especially at this time of year?
From Jim

Writing a book is hard. Distractions everywhere. The family! The friends! The housework and meals! Holidays are the worst! And KIDS? You spend twenty years sacrificing your dreams and breaking your back raising the whining little mucus makers, then they grow up and disappoint yo...