'People keep ribbing me' regarding the series concluding prior to my arrival.
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 still have a chance to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones planning a dream holiday.
The Ryding Siblings
A group of four supporters are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their residence in their hometown.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for England fans.
Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".
"Every pundit references this, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.
"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the top order."
Future Prospects
Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, one fan responded: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side right now."
"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the fans are anticipating the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience anyway," added another sibling. "We have to go with that mindset."
"Of course, it's a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time abroad during the festive period."
An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.