'Everyone's giving me grief' over the Ashes concluding prior to my arrival.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are organized trips who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
A group of four supporters are among those affected.
The four siblings had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"Our expectation had been that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a victory down under prior to the first ball.
But they are now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The England team - and their fans - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.
Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit references this, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.
"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has never been in the textbooks, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this contest, came the reply: "It appears the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that delivers for the team and turns the game."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are excited about the trip.
"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."
"Of course, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."
"We plan to savor spending the festive season out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time traveling during the festive period."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her time off.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.