'People keep ribbing me' over the series concluding ahead of my trip.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team ask for?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
This is not the case this time, though, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.
England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.
There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are among those affected.
The group had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "well ahead of time", hoping to witness a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia outplay the visitors in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest upon our arrival."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.
The England team - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a clean sweep.
One sibling noted the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Every pundit points it out, but it all comes down to mental resilience. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," commented another sibling.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'wide of off stump has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."
Looking Ahead
When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It looks like the Australians are superior currently."
"It will require several individuals that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.
"It will be a great time nonetheless," said Katie. "We have to go with that mindset."
"Obviously it is disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time away from home during the festive period."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," she finished.