Henry Winkler Is Spending His 'High Number' Birthday with His Grandchildren — and a Chocolate Mousse Cake! (Exclusive)

Following a whirlwind book tour this fall, Henry Winkler is happy to be surrounded by family for his 79th birthday on Oct. 30.

"I am having dinner with my children and my grandchildren," the actor tells PEOPLE exclusively of his birthday plans. "I will blow out the candles on a chocolate mousse cake."

Though he admits he doesn't have a favorite birthday tradition, Winkler says he has a lot to be thankful for from this past year.

"The best birthday present came from this recent book tour," he shares. "Detective Duck: The Case of the Missing Tadpole, the 39th children's book I have written with Lin Oliver, debuted on the New York Times best selling children's book list at No. 3."

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He continues, "And what is incredible is that I am able to continue to create the most wonderful memories from traveling all over the world, like I did this last year touring for my memoir. No matter who we are or what we do, we are for the most part, all the same."

Winkler hasn't stopped moving in recent months, appearing everywhere from The Drew Barrymore Show and Kelly Ripa's Let's Talk Off Camera podcast to the Emmy Awards, where he reunited with friend and Happy Days costar, Ron Howard.

Last year, Winkler was on The View for his birthday; there, the hosts presented him with a cake that featured his Happy Days character Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli "jumping the shark" on a memorable episode from the series.

Though this year might be quieter, it is particularly meaningful for Winkler, he tells PEOPLE.

"Even though this birthday is a high number," he says, "what gives me great comfort is that I am still being invited to have a seat at the table."