5 Heartwarming Stories to Share with Your Grandkids This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, togetherness, and creating memories with the people who matter most. For grandparents, it’s also a treasured chance to connect with grandchildren in meaningful, screen-free ways. And there’s nothing quite like a timeless story to spark conversation, imagination, and laughter across generations.

Whether your grandkids are visiting for the holiday or live close by, these five stories are perfect to share during quiet moments, cozy afternoons, or just before bedtime. Each one offers a value worth passing on, such as kindness, gratitude, or generosity, and can help turn a simple visit into something they’ll remember for years.

Here are five classic tales that are especially fitting for the Thanksgiving season:

1. Momotaro

Teachings: Generosity, teamwork, and using strength for good.
This Japanese folktale tells of a brave boy born from a peach who sets off on a journey to defeat supernatural bandits with the help of new animal friends he shares his food with along the way. It's a fun, lighthearted adventure that also models how giving and collaboration lead to big victories.

2. The Tongue-Cut Sparrow

Teachings: Kindness is its own reward.
This gentle tale reminds children (and grownups!) of the importance of treating others with care, even when no one is watching. The humble actions of a kind old man lead to surprising generosity, while his neighbor's selfishness brings its own consequences.

3. Why the Evergreen Trees Never Lose Their Leaves

Teachings: Compassion, hospitality, and seasonal wonder.
A chilly little bird seeks shelter as winter sets in, and only a few trees are kind enough to offer help. This beautiful tale not only captures the spirit of generosity but ties in with the changing seasons, making it a great pick for Thanksgiving and the start of winter.

4. The Measure of Rice

Teachings: Justice, honesty, and wisdom.
In this Indian folktale, a wise man solves a tricky dispute about the relative value of items using clever observation. It’s a short, satisfying story that shows how honesty and integrity can shine, even in small moments.

5. The Brave Tin Soldier

Teachings: Courage, devotion, and inner strength.
This classic tale of a steadfast toy soldier is packed with adventure and emotion. It's a great way to explore what it means to be brave... not just in battles, but in being loyal and standing tall through life’s twists and turns.

Extend the Storytime Magic

If your grandkids love hearing these stories, imagine their delight at getting to color, draw, journal, and talk about what they just heard.

The Once Upon a Virtue storybook series includes many of the stories above... along with creative activities and journaling pages that turn simple storytelling into meaningful, memorable experiences. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving downtime, rainy afternoons, or quiet mornings together.

👉 Explore the Once Upon a Virtue Series on Amazon

Each beautifully illustrated book in the series focuses on a set of character-building virtues, such as the ones explored above, told through engaging retellings of classic folk and fairy tales. The hands-on activities and discussion prompts that follow each story help children reflect, imagine, and connect more deeply with what they hear.

Whether you’re telling stories curled up under a blanket or acting them out in the living room, these tales offer more than entertainment. They’re a simple, joyful way to pass down your values, spark big conversations, and make every visit a little more magical.