Give yourself a holiday

I make papers etc. due after holidays (Thanksgiving, Spring Break), not before. That way I get a break, too. Or at least I can use the time to read and write, rather than grade.

The grading we have always with us, and it can get done while we're teaching. At the end of term, putting off due dates till after Thanksgiving works even better, because then you don't have to put detailed comments on anything.

If you really want to game the system, have the "original" due date before the break and then "change" it to after.

I have to grade all afternoon, but after I get this batch done, I'm good for a week. So I'll be able to write a book review.