I’m looking forward to the long 4th of July weekend—I love the idea of long, holiday weekends. But I can remember such weekends that didn’t end up as fun and relaxing as I’d hoped.

Courtesy 123RF/HONGQI ZHANG

You’ve probably had some of those as well. You looked forward to throwing out the normal schedule and just doing whatever you want. Yet after the weekend is over, you don’t feel as recharged as you had envisioned. It felt like the weekend got away from you too fast. Regrettably, it felt a bit like a missed opportunity.

For me, it’s usually due to not having a plan up front. My idea of a great holiday or vacation is having no “have to’s” on the schedule. But that doesn’t necessarily mean no schedule at all. What I really want is a schedule filled with “get to’s”.

The problem isn’t the schedule. It’s what you include in the schedule.

Let Your Holiday Schedule Serve You

So, instead of avoiding a schedule completely, build a schedule that will insure the weekend that you want. Don’t leave it up to chance. Make it happen.

Here are 4 simple ways to do that:

1. Plan ahead with the family. A couple days before the weekend arrives, call a quick family meeting. Set the goal of designing a weekend that is not only something you’ll all look forward to, but something you’ll truly look back on with fond memories. Brainstorm and allow everyone to share ideas for activity options and menus that would make this a great weekend.

2. Plan time for the main activities as a family. Put in the “big rocks” first. Using the 4th of July weekend as an example, watching fireworks is a likely big event. Meals are big events. Perhaps not every meal but identify those that are non-negotiable for a full family attendance. Include other group outings like boating, golf, hiking, play board games, or watch movies. Don’t overfill the schedule. Focus on a couple big events for each day.

3. Plan time for individual relaxation. Everyone should have to free time to do what recharges them individually. So block out those times. This is when family members can read, nap, play video games, watch videos, exercise—whatever. Nobody should be able to gripe about not getting to do what they wanted at the end of the weekend.

4. Plan to share in the workload. We all like the idea of getting to relax. Yet the reality is that there is still a necessary amount of work to make the weekend great. Sadly, that usually falls to Mom. Don’t do that. Don’t let any one person bear a disproportionate burden. Divide up the work schedule for food prep. When its time to pack the car for a family excursion or clean up after meals, agree ahead of time that these are all-hands-on-deck times.

After the short planning time as a family, summarize the schedule and get everyone’s buy in. Write it out, make it available to everyone—put a copy on the frig or family message board. Remind everyone of the next event coming up. Then most importantly, enjoy what you’ve planned.

Taking a little time up front to consider everyone’s ideas of a great weekend then building a schedule filled with enough “get to’s” for everyone is time well spent. 15-30 minutes is all it should take to make your holiday weekend fulfilling and a great family memory.

Call that family meeting and make it a great weekend!