Write a Letter to Santa | Holiday Writing Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds (Grade 6)

Instructions

1. Read through each section carefully before you begin writing. This worksheet will help you plan and write an amazing letter to Santa.
2. Complete the brainstorming and planning activities in Sections 1, 2, and 3. These will help you gather your best ideas.
3. Use your plan to write a full letter in Section 4. This is your chance to put it all together.
4. If you're up for an extra creative task, try the optional Challenge Question in Section 5.
5. Check your work against the Answer Key at the end to see examples and review the key concepts.

Section 1: Pre-Letter Brainstorm — The Year in Review

A great letter isn't just a list of wants; it's a chance to reflect. Before you ask for anything, think about your year.

Part A: Your Accomplishments & Goals

List two things you are proud of from this past year. Think about school, hobbies, helping others, or personal growth.

• 1. ____________________________________________________________________________________
• 2. ____________________________________________________________________________________

List one thing you want to work on or improve for next year. (Everyone has something!)

• 1. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Part B: The Thoughtful Wish List

Think beyond just toys or games. What would make a real difference?

• Something for YOU: (A gift you would truly use and appreciate)
  __________________________________________________________________
• Something for FAMILY or a FRIEND: (A gift that would make someone you care about happy)
  __________________________________________________________________
• Something for the WORLD: (If you could ask for one positive thing for the world, what would it be?)
  __________________________________________________________________

Section 2: The Letter Blueprint — Getting the Structure Right

Every proper letter has a clear structure. Let's make sure yours is perfect. A letter needs these five parts in order.

The 5 Key Parts of a Letter:

1. The Date: Placed in the top right corner.
2. The Salutation (Greeting): How you say hello. (e.g., "Dear Santa,")
3. The Body: The main part of your letter. This is where you'll share your reflections and requests.
4. The Closing: How you say goodbye. (e.g., "Sincerely," or "Yours truly,")
5. The Signature: Your name.

Practice: Fill in the blanks below with an example for each part.

(Your Example Date): ____________________

(Your Example Salutation): ____________________,

The body of the letter would go here. We will work on this in the next section!

(Your Example Closing): ____________________,

(Your Example Signature): ____________________

Section 3: Mission Persuasion — How to Make a Great Request

Simply listing what you want isn't very convincing. The best letters explain WHY. This shows you've put thought into your request. This is the most important part of the letter's body.

The Rule: Don't just state the WHAT, explain the WHY.

Example:

• Weak Request: "I want a new telescope."
• Strong, Persuasive Request: "I would be so grateful for a new telescope. I've become fascinated with astronomy in my science class, and I want to learn all the constellations. A telescope would help me explore that passion."

Your Turn: Take your "Something for YOU" wish from Section 1 and turn it into a strong, persuasive request.

Your Wish (The "What"): ________________________________________________________________

Your Persuasive Request (The "Why"): ____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Section 4: The Final Draft — Write Your Letter

Use your ideas from the brainstorming and planning sections to write your complete letter to Santa below. Remember to include all five parts of the letter structure!

Checklist for your letter's body:

• Start with a friendly opening and maybe ask Santa how he is doing.
• Mention something you are proud of from your year.
• Make your persuasive request(s). Remember to explain the "why"!
• Don't forget to thank him.

Section 5: Optional North Pole Challenge

Scenario: The elves are working on a new department at the workshop called "Gifts of Goodwill." These gifts aren't objects, but positive actions or changes in the world. Your challenge is to pitch an idea for a new "Gift of Goodwill."

Describe your idea below. What is the gift? Who would it help? How would the elves deliver it?

_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer Key

Section 1: Pre-Letter Brainstorm

Answers are personal and will vary. A good answer will show genuine reflection.
Example Accomplishment: "I'm proud that I learned to play a new song on the piano after practicing for three months."
Example Wish for the World: "I wish for cleaner oceans so wildlife can be safer."

Section 2: The Letter Blueprint

Answers should follow the standard letter format.

(Your Example Date): December 5, 2023

(Your Example Salutation): Dear Santa,

(Your Example Closing): Sincerely,

(Your Example Signature): Alex

Section 3: Mission Persuasion

Answers will vary. A strong answer moves beyond a simple "I want..." to explain the purpose or benefit of the requested item.

Example:

Your Wish (The "What"): A set of drawing pencils and a sketchbook.

Your Persuasive Request (The "Why"): I have really enjoyed my art class this year, and I would love a set of quality drawing pencils and a sketchbook. Having my own supplies would allow me to practice drawing at home and create a portfolio of my work to show my art teacher.

Section 4: The Final Draft

The final letter should be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Structure: Does it include all 5 parts of a letter (Date, Salutation, Body, Closing, Signature) in the correct places?
• Content: Does the body include a reflection on the year, a persuasive request, and a note of thanks?
• Persuasion: Are the requests supported with a reason or "why"?
• Clarity: Is the letter easy to read and understand?

Section 5: Optional North Pole Challenge

Answers will be creative and varied. A strong answer will be imaginative and thoughtful, clearly explaining the concept and its impact.

Example: "My 'Gift of Goodwill' would be the 'Patience Parcel.' It wouldn't be a box, but a magical whisper delivered by special messenger elves to people who are feeling stressed or frustrated. The whisper would remind them to take a deep breath and give them a moment of calm. It would help parents in traffic, students during a hard test, or anyone having a tough day. It would make the world a little kinder."