'People keep ribbing me' over the series finishing ahead of my trip.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.
The Ryding Siblings
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.
Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their house in the north of England.
"Everyone at work has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."
Diminishing Hope
Hope was abundant regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under before it began.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The England team - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.
However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"All analysts alludes to it, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.
"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, Sam said: "It looks like the Australians are superior right now."
"There is going to have to be more than one player that makes a significant contribution and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "We have to go with that mindset."
"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time away from home at this time of year."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," she added.
