'People keep ribbing me' over the series finishing ahead of my trip.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an supporter of the English team possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.
This is not the case on this occasion, however, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.
The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.
There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as loved ones heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", dreaming of a rare England series success.
Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their residence in the north of England.
"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"Our expectation had been that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.
However, the situation is now facing the prospect of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.
But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'Bazball' has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.
"During a long match, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'outside the line has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."
Future Prospects
When questioned if he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."
"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip nonetheless," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."
"Of course, it's unfortunate we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We will make the most of spending the festive season in Australia. This will be mine and Rory's first time traveling over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, I can play golf to fall back on," she added.