Here Comes The Sun, For Dad A Celebration At Sunrise Can Illustrate The Family's Regard For The Patriarch. Pick His Menu Favorites, A Beautiful Spot, And Appropriate Music For A Relaxing Breakfast At The Break Of Dawn.

In our family, Father's Day has always been eggs and onions, bagels and cream cheese - dear old Mom slaving in the kitchen, and disgruntled children bickering over setting tables and doing dishes - for as far back as I can remember.

That's why this Sunday I'm boycotting brunches at 11. I'm waking up at the crack of dawn and surprising Dad with a trip out of the house to greet the sunrise.

Of course, this will take a little coaxing - that's where the enticing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and steaming hot coffee come in. And a witty word or two that "sleeping in on Father's Day" is definitely passe.

It will take some planning, such as checking the exact time of the sun's rising, having the gifts and cards ready in advance (nobody wants to be writing last-minute exaltations at 3:30 in the morning). And having the food piping hot or ice cold, packed and ready to go as soon as Dad has shaved and showered and stopped grumbling.

Plan the most beautiful spot to welcome the sunrise, one that, it's hoped, isn't too far from home. Of course, once you're on the road, what are a few miles more or less?

Now you don't want to have to drag Dad out of the house on his special day, nor would you want to do anything that might endanger your being around for next Father's Day. So you can miss the sunrise, if you think that would be best, and simply create an early-morning breakfast that will be relaxing and quiet as the break of dawn.

Before you get to the food, set the mood. Play some celestial morning music. If you love classical, try Grofe's "Daybreak Suite." Popular sun-salutation offerings include "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles; the Eagles' "Tequila Sunrise;" "Sunrise Serenade" by Glen Miller, the Ray Charles Singers, or the Boston Pops; and "Daybreak" by Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett.

Depending on Dad's age and taste in music, there are any number of "Sunrise" recordings by performers such as the Grateful Dead, Barry Manilow or Chet Atkins. For a rap version, try "Break of Dawn" by Rob Base and D.J.E.Z Rock.

Since this day celebrates Dad's undying efforts for the family, make sure he knows how much he's appreciated. Writing him personal notes or making handmade cards and scattering them among his gifts is a nice gesture

If breakfast will be outside, place everything in a large picnic basket, being sure to separate the hot foods from the cold.