'People keep ribbing me' about the Ashes finishing ahead of my trip.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.
The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in New South Wales and Victoria.
There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a special expedition.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.
Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."
Diminishing Hope
Hope was abundant about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "reinvigorated" Test cricket for followers of the team.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'This style has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," stated Rory Ryding.
"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."
"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."
Regardless of the result, the siblings are still excited about the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that attitude."
"Of course, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to fall back on," Katie concluded.