Lot of non 737 pilots posting here. As BPK says the main gear has a system where the gear oleo can rotate against a samper, with several degrees of movement. It's normal to both take off and land in crosswinds with the aircraft turned into wind up to 5' with a little tyre scrub as well.
One notable issue with the -800 I find is to completely line up the aircraft in the flare is not a problem, the rudder is very effective. What is the problem is the roll authority is not enough! You can keep the wings level up to about 20kts of cross wind component, above that you hit the stops and must accept a little crab or it wil lroll out of wind wing low- something you do NOT want!
All aircraft respond differently in de-crab, its an acquired skill, you simply cannot teach by rote. You have to practice, again and again. After 12,000 hrs in a variety of aircraft, I still don't get it right all the time. Anyone who says they do is lying. Too many variables!
If you land with a little crab, the autobrakes help it swing straight, and applying rudder will give the nosewheel the steering angle as it comes out of full extension too. Some days it all comes together like a magic thing...others its a bag of worms. That's life on the line!