The holidays can be an overwhelming and lonely time for those who have just moved to Canada.

They can also be a time filled with new experiences, said Tuncay Cetin, who came to Canada this past July and is in the Level 6/7 English as a Second Language (ESL) class offered by WoodGreen Community Services.

"We don't have Christmas in Turkey because it's a Muslim country. We only have a celebration for the New Year so this is very interesting for me. (Christmas in Canada) is very interesting and different. I'm trying to figure it all out," said Cetin, who lives near Danforth Avenue and Main Street with his son and daughter.

Back home, he worked in the textile import/export business and is now working on mastering his English skills to get a better understanding of Canadian culture so he can get a good job.

Cetin attended and participated in WoodGreen's annual holiday party for newcomers on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at its 1491 Danforth Ave. location.

The celebration featured new year-themed readings, Christmas carols and songs sung by those taking ESL classes as well as the tiny tots in the accompanying childminding program, and a special Tamil dance performance by three talented young ladies from the Kaviyalaya Dance Academy.

The festivities also included some tasty eats and sweets prepared by WoodGreen clients.

Mayuri Vega, a lawyer by trade who came to Canada in 2008 from Mexico City, also takes ESL classes offered by the east-end social services agency.

Like Cetin, she also took part in the annual holiday party for the first time as did her two-year-old daughter Amina, who turns three on Dec. 25.

Amina, one of the "tiny tots" in the childminding program at the local centre, performed a rendition of 'Jingle Bells' during the party.

Vega, who lives in Leslieville near Greenwood Avenue and Gerrard Street East, started taking English classes at the Danforth Avenue facility about six months ago and hopes to return to school.

She remembers her first winter and Christmas in Canada as being very cold.

"2011 is not so bad," laughed Vega, who said she enjoys the holidays in Canada because of the cultural diversity.

"Back home it's Christmas, Christmas, Christmas."

Vega, whose husband, Ansar, is Pakistani and of the Muslim faith, said they try to celebrate both faiths and teach little Amina and six-year-old Sophia about both of them.

Maisie Lo, WoodGreen's director of immigrant services, said the annual holiday party is a chance for immigrants to come together and learn about Canadian culture and share details about their holiday traditions.

"Many of the ESL students and clients have been here for less than a year so this is their first Christmas," said Lo, who came to Canada from Hong Kong more than 20 years ago and still remembers her first winter and Christmas in her new home.

"Many come from different backgrounds, but want to learn what Christmas is all about. People are invited to share their food and culture too at the holiday party."

Christmas songs and carols as well as traditions and food eaten during the holidays are discussed in ESL classes and other immigrant programs at WoodGreen, she said, noting another holiday party for those participating in ESL and programming for immigrants at WoodGreen's Danforth Avenue location took place on Dec. 9.