Frankly, I find this scene very sad because it becomes all too evident as the film progresses that there is really NO relationship between the father & son.

As a young boy it is perfectly normal for Anthony to want to help Michael, go along with him on trips, and be curious about his father's business. Michael does love his son, but at this point hasn't the time nor the skills to develop and nurture any kind of relationship, or get to know the boy at all. This is so obvious in so many ways later on. When he asks Tom what Christmas present he got for Anthony, "...so I'll know...". Upon returning home, he steps over the abandoned toy sitting in the snow. When Kay, about to leave him laments, "Look at what's happened to our son...", Michael claims he's fine.
And finally, it is the doomed Uncle Fredo who ends up spending quality time with Anthony, taking him fishing while dad runs the family business.

Complimenting all of this are the alternating scenes of young Vito...who in contrast DID find a way to make time for his family.

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