Martin Luther did not have anything to do with "Away in A Manger" . A music publisher put the song out in a book of children's songs as "Luther's Cradle Hymn" and attributed it to Martin Luther. He apparently was just trying to generate a little interest in the song.

Yes Jaze, those songs are all American. There are many more, I only thought of a few of the popular ones.   I guess we should include "Jingle Bells", even though it is not a carol and it doesn't mention Christmas!

There is a church in Philadelphia where Rev. Phillip Brooks wrote "O Little Town of Bethlehem" that is still standing and celebrates the song each season.

One of my favorite songs is rarely sung unfortunately. Longfellow's "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" was written during the civil war after his son was wounded in battle.

Every year I put together a radio program of Christmas music on the Sunday before Christmas. I briefly share some histories of the songs and celebrate the season with folk artists singing these songs.   This year it will air on December 19 from 3 to 6pm ET and can be heard on the internet at www.wfdu.fm