Simplify the following text for a Grade 11 native English-speaking person.
Original: Families often celebrate Independence Day by hosting or attending a picnic or barbecue and take advantage of the day off and , in some years , long weekend to gather with relatives .
Simplified: Families often celebrate Independence Day by having or going to a picnic or barbecue , and take advantage of the day off and in some years , long weekend to gather with relatives and friends .