'Everyone's giving me grief' over the series being over prior to my arrival.
Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what more could an England cricket fan possibly want?
Realistically, they'd hope for an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after Australia's crushing 82-run win in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth straight contest on home turf.
The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans making the journey for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.
In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as loved ones planning a special expedition.
The Disappointed Travelers
The Ryding siblings are four such fans.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets secured for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.
Sadly, they've observed Australia dismantle the tourists in just a short period from their family home in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"The hope was that we would have the series on the line upon our arrival."
Diminishing Hope
Hope was abundant concerning a potential victory of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.
Yet now they are looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a clean sweep.
One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.
But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".
"Commentators consistently references this, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'The aggressive approach has been become a phrase now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.
"In a five-day Test match, you should apply yourself. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the top order."
The Remaining Matches
When questioned if he believed England will win a match in the current series, came the reply: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good currently."
"Necessarily, there must be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."
Even with the series lost, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.
"We will have a fantastic experience anyway," said Katie. "Our approach is that attitude."
"Of course, it's a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money by now."
"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year out there. It is also our first experience away from home at this time of year."
A teacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," she added.