This week, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz became the focus of an unexpected social media whirlwind after sharing a short, cheerful video showcasing his family’s Christmas tree decorations. The online response swiftly became negative, as some viewers focused on what they considered a strange and unappealing decoration sitting atop the tree: an angel made from a toilet paper roll. The controversy arises during a time of reflection and reassessment for Walz, who has recently spoken about the fallout from the 2024 election cycle and his own unsuccessful attempt at national office.
A brief video posted on social media featured the governor and his wife beside their Christmas tree, sharing cheerful holiday wishes. They talked about their daughter, Hope, as they described how the ornaments on the tree reflected years of family history—handmade crafts that held deep sentimental value. In the video, Governor Walz saved a special ornament for the end: a homemade angel made from a toilet paper tube. With a smile, he set it at the peak of the tree, proudly declaring it their “toilet paper roll angel.”
It was a lighthearted and intimate moment, likely meant to spread some holiday joy and connect with his audience. The online response went in a different direction. Some social media users were puzzled and skeptical, wondering what the ornament meant and why the governor chose to bring attention to it. Some people ridiculed the governor’s choice of decor, suggesting that the unusual ornamentation reflected deeper issues within his home or his leadership. In just a few hours, comment sections were buzzing with sarcastic comments, screenshots were shared everywhere, and critics from both sides jumped at the chance to mock the governor’s attempt at some lighthearted fun.
Although a “toilet paper roll angel” may appear to be a simple and endearing family craft that kids enjoy making, the reactions from the online community reveal underlying tensions. Walz, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) governor of Minnesota since 2019, has gained national attention in recent years. He became widely recognized after he took on the role of running mate to then-Senator Kamala Harris in a vice presidential campaign that ultimately did not succeed. The “Harris-Walz” ticket, a scenario that never came to fruition in U.S. politics, is being discussed online—some critics are using that past campaign to mockingly question his political judgment and public image. To the couple, their Christmas tree video turned into yet another chance for criticism.
For some odd reason, Tim Walz decided to post a video meant for his daughter on social media while placing a “toilet paper roll Angel” on the top of their Christmas tree.
Weird. pic.twitter.com/lHbgouNHd3
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 12, 2024
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Gov. Walz has recently shared his thoughts on the aftermath of the election. During a news conference at the Minnesota State Capitol earlier this month, the governor spoke about the state’s turkey industry in anticipation of Thanksgiving, as well as the ongoing questions from the previous electoral cycle. Local outlets such as KSTP.com reported on a governor who, even after facing defeat on the national stage, expressed that he had few regrets about his political journey.
During the press conference, a reporter challenged Walz on whether he had any regrets about the choices he made throughout the campaign. Walz responded, “No regrets,” and with a hint of dry humor, he mentioned that the only thing he wished he had done differently was getting a dog sooner. He shared his pride in the message conveyed by the Harris-Walz campaign, pointing out that although 75 million Americans backed it, it just wasn’t sufficient to win. It seemed like a moment of peace and acceptance for the governor—he was prepared to move forward, celebrate Minnesota’s agricultural achievements, and tackle the upcoming legislative session with fresh determination.
However, the unexpected commotion surrounding a Christmas tree ornament indicates that Walz’s every move continues to be under close public observation. The debate, though seemingly minor, underscores how in our highly connected digital world, even the most intimate family moments can turn into points of political contention. Critics have viewed the unusual ornament as a representation of a larger story: a governor who seems disconnected, someone who aspired to greater political heights but didn’t succeed, now sending out a holiday message that some found to be insensitive.
A policy aspect is also hovering in the background. Walz has highlighted the challenges that lie ahead in Minnesota’s legislative session. After a long stretch since 2021, Democrats and Republicans are set to share power, which he sees as both a chance for collaboration and a challenge to work together. The upcoming state budget forecast, set to be released later this month, is crucial for many factors. The forecast will guide how both Democrats and Republicans choose to distribute resources, deal with infrastructure challenges, handle healthcare issues, and manage the uncertainties of a possible trade war that might affect Minnesota’s agricultural foundation. Walz’s hopeful outlook on working together across party lines will face genuine challenges as lawmakers negotiate agreements and protect their political interests.
Interestingly, the fuss surrounding a homemade ornament comes at a time when Walz is looking to showcase the practical accomplishments of his state and demonstrate to voters and colleagues that Minnesotans can unite and progress in a positive way. The toilet paper angel incident highlights just how quickly public conversations can veer off from meaningful issues. Rather than discussing policy or potential solutions, a lot of online commentators chose to focus on the governor’s personal preferences when it comes to Christmas ornaments. Critics have mixed up minor personal details with larger assessments of his leadership style.
Walz’s supporters have tried to counter the mockery, claiming that the true appeal of the ornament is found in its simplicity and the sentimental value it holds. Many families cherish the crafts made by their children—like paper angels, popsicle-stick stars, or pipe-cleaner reindeer—and feel perfectly fine about sharing that tradition with others. Public figures frequently face criticism for coming across as overly polished and rehearsed. Displaying a homemade ornament might come across as a way to share a more down-to-earth, personal touch.
The gap between the governor’s intentions—a simple, friendly gesture—and the harsh backlash online highlights just how fragile a politician’s public image can be in today’s social media landscape. Every little thing, from the laws we pass to the way we deck the halls for Christmas, seems to be open to political spin and mockery. Walz’s recent national-level disappointment has only fueled his opponents’ eagerness to mock him.
As we look to the future, it seems improbable that this small controversy will lead to any significant political consequences. The holidays will come and go, and soon the state legislature will gather to address urgent economic and social challenges that are far more significant than any one ornament. Yet, this episode serves as yet another reminder of the evolving landscape that politicians must navigate in public life. What used to be a simple holiday greeting that might have slipped by or been met with a friendly nod can now ignite a storm of sarcastic tweets, sensational headlines, and opportunistic jabs.
What lessons can Walz or any public official learn from this environment? It might be smart to be careful about what we share personally, considering that even something as innocent as a Christmas tree video can be twisted or misunderstood. Conversely, trying to stay constantly on guard and overly controlled can backfire, causing voters to express dissatisfaction with a perceived lack of genuine connection. The toilet paper roll angel, for better or worse, is genuine—it offers an unvarnished look at how one family adorns their tree. However, being genuine in politics doesn’t always lead to a positive response. At times, it opens up new paths for discussion and analysis.
The governor chose not to directly address the online jabs aimed at him. His team hasn’t put out a statement to explain the ornament’s background or significance. Maybe they thought it was too insignificant to deserve a proper reply. Ultimately, government officials have more pressing duties than just justifying their holiday decorations. They may think this story will disappear soon, overshadowed by the next political controversy or policy update.
Meanwhile, the sight of a toilet paper angel sitting on top of the Christmas tree in the Walz home lingers in the memories of those who came across the video—some found it hilarious, others looked down on it, and some simply dismissed it as just another fleeting moment on social media. The holiday season tends to highlight little moments, transforming them into meaningful gestures. This year, Gov. Walz has chosen a rather unusual ornament as his symbol, which has ignited quite a bit of online debate. In the end, the real challenge for the governor won’t be about the ornaments on his tree, but rather how he manages a split legislature, tackles pressing policy issues, and mends relationships in a post-election landscape where even the tiniest personal choice can spark a social media frenzy.
Walz also talked to supporters in a recent video:
Tim Walz says that Trump’s win is “a bit scary” and tells supporters to “take time to heal” before getting back in the fight. pic.twitter.com/fIK1A59n2D
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 27, 2024
Summarized:
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faced some backlash online after sharing a video of himself, his wife, and their Christmas tree, which showcased a rather unconventional ornament crafted from toilet paper. People remarked on the peculiar tree, adorned with handmade ornaments that the family had crafted throughout the years. Walz highlighted a few of the ornaments in the brief video, featuring the “toilet paper angel.”
At a news conference held at the Minnesota State Capitol, Walz conveyed that he had no regrets and felt proud to have participated in the campaign. He also pointed out that the Harris-Walz ticket lost in all seven crucial battleground states, as well as the national popular vote. While Walz holds an optimistic view of the outcome, he stays grounded and finds comfort in the chance to showcase Minnesota to a wider audience.
The upcoming legislative session marks a significant moment, as Democrats and Republicans will share power for the first time since 2021, putting Walz’s optimism to the test. This month’s release of the state budget forecast will shed light on how much collaboration is happening and what funds are available. Walz is holding off on releasing the budget and revised budget until he can assess the forecast and the actions of the incoming Trump administration in mid-January, with plans to make those announcements when the February numbers are available.
Walz is worried about the possibility of a trade war that might affect Minnesota’s agricultural sector.
