Sunshine, meat pies and world-famous cricket grounds - what else would an England cricket fan ask for?
Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn once the opening games are done.
That will not be happening during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side 3-0 up for the fourth straight contest on their own soil.
The loyal traveling fans, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the concluding fixtures in Sydney and Melbourne.
There are also tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The Ryding Siblings
Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.
The four siblings had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a rare England series success.
From afar, they've seen Australia outplay the visitors in just under two weeks from their residence in their hometown.
"All my colleagues has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.
"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest still when we got there."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.
Yet now they are facing the prospect of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne this week.
Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be hoping to sidestep a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.
Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent years had "renewed interest in" the longest format for England fans.
However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.
"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
Looking Ahead
Prompted about he believed England will win a match in the current series, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good right now."
"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still looking forward to the trip.
"We are going to have a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that outlook."
"Naturally, it's disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have invested a significant amount already."
"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. It is also mine and Rory's first time away from home over Christmas."
An educator, Katie is focused on enjoying the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.
"As a backup plan, I've got golf to turn to," Katie concluded.
