'I'm getting constant stick' regarding the series finishing ahead of my trip.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an England cricket fan ask for?
Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth straight contest on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans flying out for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.
In addition, there are tour groups who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a dream holiday.
Fans with Booked Tickets
A group of four supporters are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in their hometown.
"People in the office has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"We always thought that we would have the series on the line still when we got there."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia before it began.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a clean sweep.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.
Yet the fans said they had realistic outlooks for the fourth and fifth Tests - and all they are requesting from the players is "some resilience".
"Every pundit points it out, but it all is about psychological strength. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," commented another sibling.
"During a long match, you should apply yourself. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has never featured in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the batting lineup."
The Remaining Matches
Asked whether he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good at the moment."
"Necessarily, there must be more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Even with the series lost, the fans are anticipating the trip.
"It will be a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."
"Of course, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have invested a significant amount as it is."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays in Australia. It is also a new experience for us abroad over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, I can play golf to rely on," she added.