'Everyone's giving me grief' about the series concluding ahead of my trip.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes following the initial matches.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other tour groups who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as relatives and companions embarking on a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
A group of four supporters are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "a full year in advance", hoping to witness a rare England series success.
Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."
Lowered Expectations
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under before it began.
However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.
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 recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for England fans.
However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "some resilience".
"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
The Remaining Matches
Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior at the moment."
"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Of course, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have spent so much money by now."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season out there. Additionally, it's our first experience abroad over Christmas."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.
"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," she added.