'Everyone's giving me grief' regarding the series concluding ahead of my trip.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have a large group flying out for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as relatives and companions planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Ryding Siblings
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
The group had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."
Diminishing Hope
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The tourists - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
One sibling noted the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for England fans.
But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.
"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will triumph in a Test in the current series, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior right now."
"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.
"We are going to have a wonderful trip anyway," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."
"Obviously it is disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money already."
"We'll enjoy having Christmas and New Year in Australia. Additionally, it's a new experience for us abroad during the festive period."
A teacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her seasonal break.
"If all else fails, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.