'I'm getting constant stick' over the Ashes finishing before I get there.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an England cricket fan desire?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have a large group making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
There are also organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a special expedition.
Fans with Booked Tickets
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
The group had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", anticipating a rare England series success.
Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their family home in Penwortham, Lancashire.
"People in the office has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"We always thought that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under before it began.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne this week.
The England team - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for England fans.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," stated Rory Ryding.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never been in the coaching manuals, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, came the reply: "It appears the Australians are superior at the moment."
"It will require several individuals that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the fans are anticipating the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."
"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. It is also a new experience for us abroad at this time of year."
A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.
"As a backup plan, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.