'People keep ribbing me' about the Ashes finishing prior to my arrival.
Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what more could an Three Lions follower possibly want?
Well, perhaps an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy after the first three Tests.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have a large group traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as families and friends planning a dream holiday.
The Disappointed Travelers
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials booked for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", anticipating a historic English victory.
Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," said Sam.
"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a victory down under prior to the first ball.
However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.
The England team - and their followers - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
It was mentioned that the "entertainment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "renewed interest in" Test cricket for England fans.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'Bazball' has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, unrealistic play," added Rory.
"During a long match, you should dig in. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never featured in the coaching manuals, and that is largely because of the top order."
The Remaining Matches
When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this contest, one fan responded: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side right now."
"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still anticipating the trip.
"It will be a great time regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that attitude."
"Of course, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money by now."
"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays in Australia. Additionally, it's a new experience for us abroad during the festive period."
A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to rely on," Katie concluded.