Dear Mr. Smith,

　　I would like to apply for an annual leave from January xxth to xxst.

　　As you may know the Spring Festival is falling on February 1st this year. It's the most important holiday in China and offers the best occasion for family reunion. However, over the past 3 years I missed the reunions due to tight work schedule. Now that I have wrapped up my work for this year, I would like to go back to my hometown to pay filial piety to my parents and help my sole brother prepare his wedding on January xxth.

　　It's indeed double happiness for my family that I would like to be part of. Coupled with the official holidays for the Spring Festival, I will have two weeks off which will definitely gear me up for better work in the new year. I'm looking forward to your kind answer.

　　Best regards,

　　xxx